Origin
Britt, IA
Late night in Britt on Wednesday
Local time
12:32 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Britt, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA
Data updated 4 hours ago
Drive Time
3h 20m
Distance
167.8 mi
270 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 9m
★
6 AM
3h 21m
8 AM
3h 45m
10 AM
3h 29m
12 PM
3h 27m
3 PM
3h 30m
5 PM
3h 44m
8 PM
3h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Britt, IA
Quang Nguyen Vinh
Trip Overview
This straightforward 167.8-mile drive from Britt, IA, to Cedar Rapids, IA, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 18 and the Avenue of the Saints, about 71% of this journey is on highways, making it a focused driving experience. With a projected fuel cost of around $26, it's an economical option for exploring more of the Midwest. This route is a solid choice if you're looking for an efficient trip, as it’s a direct path with just one recommended stop. The overall feel is one of practical transit through the heart of Iowa.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
83.9 miles from Britt, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of your trip, with 71% of the route on well-maintained roads. You'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 82 miles on US 18, offering a good opportunity for consistent progress. While largely highway, the route transitions and connects through various segments, including the Avenue of the Saints. This means you'll experience a mix of faster travel and sections that might feel more like an open road. The drive is characterized by its directness and efficiency, minimizing complex navigation.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 18 is the longest continuous segment at about 82 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 18 and Avenue of the Saints. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23.2 miles in near US 18.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 167.8 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 23.2 miles (US 18): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.1 miles (US 18; IA 27): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.2 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
23.2 mi into trip
|
~32m in
|
US 18
Take the ramp onto US 18 toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des Moines
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des...
5
26.1 mi into trip
|
~36m in
|
US 18; IA 27
Take the exit onto US 18; IA 27 toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Cha...
6
117.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 23m in
|
I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids,...
6
123.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m 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
5
166.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 17m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Britt, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs point toward Charles City, Dubuque and Cedar Falls.
Charles City
26.1 mi in
|
~36m
|
via US 18; IA 27
Dubuque
117.2 mi in
|
~2h 23m
|
via I 380
Cedar Falls
117.2 mi in
|
~2h 23m
|
via I 380
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 18 | 82 mi | 1h 35m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 44.9 mi | 48m |
| US Highway 18 | 22.9 mi | 32m |
| Leo P Rooff Expressway | 6.7 mi | 8m |
| I 380 | 6.5 mi | 7m |
| Washington Street | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| 32nd Street Northeast | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Main Avenue North | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 18
— 82 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Britt, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA.
1
Start on Main Avenue North
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
Main Avenue North
2
Turn right onto US 18
23 mi
·
32 min
·
US Highway 18
3
Take the ramp onto US 18
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
US 18
Toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des Moines
4
Merge onto I 35; US 18; IA 27
2.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
5
Take the exit onto US 18; IA 27
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
US 18; IA 27
Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
6
Turn slight right onto US 18; IA 27
81 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
US 18; IA 27
Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
7
Take the exit
317 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 218 south: Waterloo
8
Continue on US 218
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
US 218
Toward US 218 south: Waterloo
9
Merge onto US 218
6.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Leo P Rooff Expressway
10
Continue on US 218
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Washington Street
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
6.5 mi
·
7 min
·
I 380
Toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
12
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
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
14
Keep slight left at fork
121 ft
·
4 sec
15
Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
32nd Street Northeast
16
Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast
184 ft
·
10 sec
·
Crystal Drive Northeast
17
Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast
177 ft
·
7 sec
·
Crystal Drive Northeast
18
Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast
428 ft
·
18 sec
·
Tiperary Drive Northeast
19
Arrive at destination
Tiperary Drive Northeast
Trip Plan
Given its manageable 3-hour and 20-minute duration, this route is best tackled in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave Britt, IA, in the morning to allow ample time for reaching Cedar Rapids, IA, with a comfortable pace. The longest stretch of 82 miles on US 18 means you can cover significant ground before needing to consider a fuel or rest stop. Plan your single recommended stop strategically along this segment to break up the drive. Keep an eye on fuel levels, especially before entering the longer stretches of highway.
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 83.9 miles from Britt, IA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82 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 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.9 miles or 1h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 46m
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 Britt, 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 Britt, IA
This is one driving day of about 167.8 miles and 3h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Britt, 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 US 18 for about 82 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 83.9 mi from Britt, IA · 1h 43m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
84 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 83.9 miles from Britt, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 18 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82 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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.23 one way
$52.47 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $28.80 | $57.61 |
| premium | $4.89 | $32.29 | $64.58 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.05 | $74.10 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.3 | 0 | $17.62 | $8.05 |
| Efficient EV | 42 | 0 | $14.68 | $6.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.1 | 0 | $23.49 | $10.74 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% 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 Rapids, IA
Late night in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday
Local time
12:32 AM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
42°F
Waterloo, IA
84 mi in
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
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 20m 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 Britt, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 167.8 miles and takes about 3h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 18, Avenue of the Saints, US Highway 18. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 83.9 miles from Britt, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.23 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 167.8 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 23.2 miles (US 18): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.1 miles (US 18; IA 27): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.2 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Britt, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs point toward Charles City, Dubuque and Cedar Falls.
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