Origin
Akron, IA
Late night in Akron on Wednesday
Local time
5:21 AM
CDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Akron, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
5h 50m
Distance
292.1 mi
470 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 38m
★
6 AM
5h 51m
8 AM
6h 17m
10 AM
6h 0m
12 PM
5h 57m
3 PM
6h 1m
5 PM
6h 16m
8 PM
5h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Akron, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 292.1-mile drive from Akron to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is estimated to take about 5 hours and 50 minutes, making it a manageable single-day trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $46, it's an economical journey across the Midwest. The route primarily uses local roads, including 220th Street and Highway 20, with only about 25% on highways. You'll find the drive to be more about navigating local routes than cruising on interstates. Plan for one stop along the way to break up the drive. This trip is a straightforward way to travel between two points within Iowa.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
146.1 miles from Akron, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 3m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for much of this 292.1-mile journey. While there's a 25% highway share, the majority of your time will be spent on local roads like 220th Street and Highway 20. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 165.9 miles on 220th Street, so you'll have periods of steady driving before needing to navigate turns. This profile suggests a route that winds through communities rather than bypassing them. Be prepared for a driving experience that requires attention to local road conditions and frequent adjustments.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
220th Street is the longest continuous segment at about 165.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Reed Street.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 292.1 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Reed Street): Navigation decision point; at 24 miles (IA 12 / Riverside Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 26.1 miles: Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Reed Street
Turn right onto Reed Street
Navigation decision point
5
24 mi into trip
|
~33m in
|
IA 12 / Riverside Boulevard
Turn right onto IA 12 / Riverside Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
26.1 mi into trip
|
~38m in
Take the ramp toward I 29 South
Navigation decision point
Toward I 29 South
6
29.3 mi into trip
|
~42m in
|
US 20 Business
Take the exit onto US 20 Business toward Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Downtown
6
248.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 1m in
|
I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Akron, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Downtown along the way.
Downtown
29.3 mi in
|
~42m
|
via US 20 Business
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 220th Street | 165.9 mi | 3h 11m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 42.3 mi | 45m |
| Highway 20 | 39.4 mi | 47m |
| State Highway 12 | 16.2 mi | 22m |
| United States Highway 20 | 8.3 mi | 10m |
| State Highway 3 | 4.7 mi | 6m |
| Gordon Drive | 4.6 mi | 9m |
| I 29 | 2.9 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
220th Street
— 165.9 mi, about 3h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Akron, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA.
1
Start on North 2nd Street
54 ft
·
4 sec
·
North 2nd Street
2
Turn right onto Reed Street
277 ft
·
13 sec
·
Reed Street
3
Turn left onto IA 12
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
State Highway 12
4
Continue on IA 3; IA 12
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 3
5
Continue on IA 12
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
State Highway 12
6
Continue on IA 12
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
Portland Street
7
Continue on IA 12
15 mi
·
21 min
·
State Highway 12
8
Continue on IA 12
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Sioux River Road
9
Turn right onto IA 12
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Riverside Boulevard
Use the right lane.
10
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 29 South
11
Merge onto I 29
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
I 29
12
Take the exit onto US 20 Business
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
US 20 Business
Toward Downtown
Use the slight right lane.
13
Turn left onto US 20 Business
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
South Virginia Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
14
Turn right onto US 20 Business
4.6 mi
·
9 min
·
Gordon Drive
Use the left lane.
15
Continue on US 20
39 mi
·
47 min
·
Highway 20
Use the right lane.
16
Continue on US 20
8.3 mi
·
10 min
·
United States Highway 20
17
Continue on US 20
166 mi
·
3 hr 11 min
·
220th Street
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380; IA 27
42 mi
·
45 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
Toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
20
Keep slight left at fork
121 ft
·
4 sec
21
Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
32nd Street Northeast
22
Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast
184 ft
·
10 sec
·
Crystal Drive Northeast
23
Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast
177 ft
·
7 sec
·
Crystal Drive Northeast
24
Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast
428 ft
·
18 sec
·
Tiperary Drive Northeast
25
Arrive at destination
Tiperary Drive Northeast
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 50-minute duration, starting your drive from Akron in the morning will allow you to reach Cedar Rapids by the afternoon. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $46, you have flexibility in pacing. Pay attention to the 'turn-heavy' nature of the route; it's advisable to have your GPS or map readily available, especially during the 165.9-mile stretch on 220th Street. This route is best suited for a single-day adventure, so pack snacks and enjoy the local scenery as you travel.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 146.1 miles from Akron, IA, or about 3h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 165.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.1 miles or 3h 3m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cedar Rapids, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Akron, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Akron, IA
This is one driving day of about 292.1 miles and 5h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Akron, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on 220th Street for about 165.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 146.1 mi from Akron, IA · 3h 3m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
146 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 146.1 miles from Akron, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before 220th Street if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 165.9 miles.
Arriving in Cedar Rapids, IA
The final approach into Cedar Rapids, IA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Cedar Rapids, IA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.67 one way
$91.33 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
102 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $50.14 | $100.28 |
| premium | $4.89 | $56.21 | $112.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $64.49 | $128.98 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 87.6 | 1 | $30.67 | $14.02 |
| Efficient EV | 73 | 0 | $25.56 | $11.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 116.8 | 1 | $40.89 | $18.69 |
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Cedar Rapids, IA
Late night in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday
Local time
5:21 AM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 50m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Akron, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 292.1 miles and takes about 5h 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are 220th Street, Avenue of the Saints, Highway 20. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 146.1 miles from Akron, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.67 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 292.1 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Reed Street): Navigation decision point; at 24 miles (IA 12 / Riverside Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 26.1 miles: Navigation decision point.
On the drive from Akron, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Downtown along the way.
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