Trip from Cedar Rapids, IA to Buffalo (historical), IA

Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026

Drive Time

3h 14m

Distance

158.7 mi

255 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 2m ★

6 AM

3h 14m

8 AM

3h 38m

10 AM

3h 22m

12 PM

3h 20m

3 PM

3h 24m

5 PM

3h 37m

8 PM

3h 7m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Buffalo (historical), IA

Karolina

Trip Overview

This 158.7-mile drive from Cedar Rapids to Buffalo (historical), Iowa, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes. You'll primarily navigate through the heart of the Midwest on roads like Lincoln Highway, Marshalltown Boulevard, and 73rd Street. With a projected fuel cost of around $25, this journey is an accessible option for a quick getaway. The route offers a turn-heavy local driving experience, making it a good choice if you prefer a more engaging drive rather than a straightforward interstate cruise. Plan for one stop along the way to break up the approximately 3-hour trip.

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

79.4 miles from Cedar Rapids, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 34m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for this 158.7-mile journey. Only 20% of this route involves highway driving, meaning you'll spend most of your time on local roads, experiencing a more intimate connection with the landscape. The longest stretch without a turn or significant road change is 37.3 miles, primarily on the historic Lincoln Highway. As you travel, the road will likely shift from more developed areas to less populated ones, offering a changing perspective as you head toward Buffalo (historical). This isn't a high-speed interstate cruise; it’s a drive that encourages you to slow down and pay attention to your surroundings.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Lincoln Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 37.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 158.7 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 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

2.4 mi into trip | ~4m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I-380 north, IA 27 north, IA 100 west: Waterloo

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I-380 north, IA 27 north, IA 100 west: W...

2.6 mi into trip | ~5m in

Turn left toward I-380 south, IA 27 south, IA 100 west: Iowa City

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I-380 south, IA 27 south, IA 100 west: I...

11.1 mi into trip | ~15m in

Take the exit toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshall...

110.6 mi into trip | ~2h 11m in | US 65

Take the exit onto US 65 toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines

129.1 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Omaha

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 80 West: Omaha

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Cedar Rapids, IA and Buffalo (historical), IA, road signs point toward Marshalltown, Des Moines and Winterset.

Marshalltown

11.1 mi in | ~15m

Des Moines

75.9 mi in | ~1h 30m

Winterset

141.9 mi in | ~2h 47m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Lincoln Highway	37.3 mi	43m
Marshalltown Boulevard	33.7 mi	39m
73rd Street	24.4 mi	28m
I 80	18.4 mi	20m
North Avenue	13.8 mi	20m
US 65	13 mi	15m
Collins Road Northeast	8.2 mi	9m
16th Avenue Southwest	2.4 mi	2m

Longest stretch: Lincoln Highway — 37.3 mi, about 43m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Rapids, IA and Buffalo (historical), IA.

Start on Tiperary Drive Northeast

0.1 mi · 32 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast

Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast

184 ft · 13 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast

Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast

1.2 mi · 2 min · 32nd Street Northeast

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Merge onto I 380; IA 27

0.5 mi · 40 sec · Avenue of the Saints

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward IA 100

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 20 sec

Toward I-380 north, IA 27 north, IA 100 west: Waterloo

Turn left

0.3 mi · 45 sec

Toward I-380 south, IA 27 south, IA 100 west: Iowa City

Merge onto IA 100

8.2 mi · 9 min · Collins Road Northeast

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min

Toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown

Merge onto US 30; US 218

2.4 mi · 2 min · 16th Avenue Southwest

Continue on US 30; US 218

24 mi · 28 min · 73rd Street

Continue on US 30

37 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines

Turn left onto IA 330

34 mi · 39 min · Marshalltown Boulevard

Continue on US 65; IA 330

0.7 mi · 58 sec · Northeast Hubbell Avenue

Take the exit onto US 65

13 mi · 15 min · US 65

Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 80; I 35

5.6 mi · 6 min · I 80; I 35

Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

13 mi · 14 min · I 80

Toward I 80 West: Omaha Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 50 sec

Toward US 169, US 6: Adel, Winterset

Turn left onto US 6; US 169

481 ft · 9 sec · North Avenue

Continue on US 6; US 169

1.1 mi · 1 min · Guthrie Street

Continue on US 169

14 mi · 20 min · North Avenue

Continue on CR P71

1.5 mi · 2 min · Clark Tower Road

Turn left onto CR G50

343 ft · 10 sec · St Charles Road

Turn right onto Maple Lane

195 ft · 8 sec · Maple Lane

Arrive at destination

Maple Lane

Trip Plan

Given the 3 hours and 14 minutes estimated duration for this 158.7-mile trip, it’s easily manageable as a single-day excursion. Aim to depart Cedar Rapids in the morning to allow ample time for the one recommended stop and to fully appreciate the local roads. The $25 fuel cost is a reasonable budget for this journey. Pay attention to road signs, especially when transitioning between the listed main roads like Lincoln Highway and Marshalltown Boulevard, as the turn-heavy nature of the drive requires focus. Since the longest uninterrupted stretch is 37.3 miles, you won't be driving for excessively long periods without a change, so flexibility with your stop timing is key.

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 79.4 miles from Cedar Rapids, IA, or about 1h 34m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.3 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 35 miles or 43m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 79.4 miles or 1h 34m 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 34m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Buffalo (historical), IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids, IA

This is one driving day of about 158.7 miles and 3h 14m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Cedar Rapids, 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 Lincoln Highway for about 37.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 79.4 mi from Cedar Rapids, IA · 1h 34m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Colfax, IA

79 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

Vinton, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Marshalltown, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 79.4 miles from Cedar Rapids, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Buffalo (historical), IA

The final approach into Buffalo (historical), 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 Buffalo (historical), 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

$24.81 one way

$49.62 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$27.24	$54.48
premium	$4.89	$30.54	$61.08
diesel	$5.61	$35.04	$70.08

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	47.6	$16.66	$7.62
Efficient EV	39.7	$13.89	$6.35
EV Truck/SUV	63.5	$22.22	$10.16

Gas CO2

56 kg

EV CO2

19 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Cedar Rapids, IA

Evening in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday

Local time

7:39 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Buffalo (historical), IA

Evening in Buffalo (historical) on Wednesday

Local time

7:39 PM

CDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

72°F

Colfax, IA

79 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

9 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

3h 14m 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 Cedar Rapids, IA to Buffalo (historical), IA covers 158.7 miles and takes about 3h 14m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Lincoln Highway, Marshalltown Boulevard, 73rd Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 79.4 miles from Cedar Rapids, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.81 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.

Between Cedar Rapids, IA and Buffalo (historical), IA, road signs point toward Marshalltown, Des Moines and Winterset.

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