Origin
Ames, IA
Afternoon in Ames on Sunday
Local time
2:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ames, IA to Cedar Falls, IA
Drive Time
1h 52m
Distance
93.4 mi
150 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
Ames, IA
Anton Belitskiy
Cedar Falls, IA
Chris F
Trip Overview
Connecting Ames to Cedar Falls, this 93.4-mile journey is a straightforward Midwest transit that typically takes about 1 hour and 52 minutes. Because the total duration is under two hours, you can easily complete this trip in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $14 on fuel, making it a budget-friendly option for a quick excursion between these two Iowa hubs. The route relies primarily on US 20, I-35 Business, and University Avenue to get you to your destination efficiently. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, the simplicity of the drive makes it a low-stress endeavor. It is a practical connection that keeps you moving through the heart of the state without unnecessary detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
46.7 miles from Ames, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 54m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 88% of your journey is spent on high-speed roads. The drive is defined by a significant 53.9-mile stretch on US 20, which serves as the backbone of your trip and allows for consistent travel speeds. You will transition from the local access of I-35 Business and University Avenue into the broader flow of the highway system. Because most of the route is dedicated to these major roads, the pace remains steady and predictable throughout the 93.4-mile transit. You won't face many technical challenges, as the road character favors efficiency over complex navigation, keeping you in a steady rhythm behind the wheel.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 20 is the longest continuous segment at about 53.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 20 and I 35 Business. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 2.7 miles in near I 35 Business.
Route Complexity
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Ames, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is easy. At 1h 52m with 88% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.7 miles (I 35 Business): Navigation decision point; at 31.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 85.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
2.7 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
I 35 Business
Turn left onto I 35 Business toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
Navigation decision point
Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
4
31.3 mi into trip
|
~36m in
Take the exit toward US 20 East: Waterloo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward US 20 East: Waterloo
4
85.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m in
Take the exit toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
5
90.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 47m in
|
University Avenue
Enter roundabout onto University Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
6
92.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
|
Main Street
Enter roundabout onto Main Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Ames, IA to Cedar Falls, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Cr D18: Cedar Falls along the way.
Cr D18: Cedar Falls
85.7 mi in
|
~1h 40m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 20 | 53.9 mi | 1h 2m |
| I 35 Business | 28.6 mi | 31m |
| University Avenue | 5.3 mi | 8m |
| 13th Street | 2.7 mi | 5m |
| Main Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Grundy Road | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 20
— 53.9 mi, about 1h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames, IA and Cedar Falls, IA.
1
Start on I 35 Business
2.7 mi
·
5 min
·
13th Street
2
Turn left onto I 35 Business
29 mi
·
31 min
·
I 35 Business
Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
3
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 20 East: Waterloo
4
Merge onto US 20
54 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
US 20
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
6
Turn left onto Grundy Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Grundy Road
7
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
University Avenue
8
Enter roundabout onto University Avenue
88 ft
·
1 sec
·
University Avenue
9
Continue on University Avenue
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
University Avenue
10
Turn left onto Main Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Main Street
11
Enter roundabout onto Main Street
77 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
12
Continue on Main Street
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
13
Enter roundabout onto Main Street
74 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
14
Continue on Main Street
21 ft
·
0 sec
·
Main Street
15
Arrive at destination
Main Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though leaving during off-peak hours will ensure the smoothest travel on US 20. You do not need to worry about planning formal rest stops given the sub-two-hour duration, allowing you to drive straight through if you prefer. Keep your fuel budget around $14 in mind as you plan your vehicle's needs for the 93.4-mile trip. Because the longest stretch is 53.9 miles, make sure you are comfortable with extended highway driving before you head out. A helpful tip is to check traffic reports specifically for the University Avenue approach into Cedar Falls, as local congestion can sometimes impact your arrival time even after a smooth highway run.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 46.7 miles from Ames, IA, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 53.9 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 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 46.7 miles or 54m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cedar Falls, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ames, 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 Ames, IA
This is one driving day of about 93.4 miles and 1h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ames, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on US 20 for about 53.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 46.7 mi from Ames, IA · 54m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
47 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 46.7 miles from Ames, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Cedar Falls, IA
The final approach into Cedar Falls, 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 Falls, IA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.19 one way
$28.37 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
33 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $15.64 | $31.28 |
| premium | $4.80 | $17.63 | $35.26 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $20.75 | $41.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 28 | 0 | $9.81 | $4.48 |
| Efficient EV | 23.4 | 0 | $8.17 | $3.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 37.4 | 0 | $13.08 | $5.98 |
Gas CO2
33 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 Falls, IA
Afternoon in Cedar Falls on Sunday
Local time
2:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°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
7 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
1h 52m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Ames, IA to Cedar Falls, IA covers 93.4 miles and takes about 1h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 20, I 35 Business, University Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 46.7 miles from Ames, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.19 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
The drive from Ames, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is easy. At 1h 52m with 88% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.7 miles (I 35 Business): Navigation decision point; at 31.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 85.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
On the drive from Ames, IA to Cedar Falls, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Cr D18: Cedar Falls along the way.
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