Trip from Cedar Rapids, IA to Emmetsburg, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 24m

Distance

218.9 mi

352 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 12m ★

6 AM

4h 25m

8 AM

4h 52m

10 AM

4h 34m

12 PM

4h 32m

3 PM

4h 36m

5 PM

4h 50m

8 PM

4h 17m

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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Emmetsburg, IA

Christiyana Krüger

Trip Overview

The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Emmetsburg, IA covers 218.9 miles and takes about 4h 24m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Avenue of the Saints, 220th Avenue, 460th Avenue for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly surface roads. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 170.8 miles on Avenue of the Saints. At current regular gas prices, budget about $34.22 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

109.4 miles from Cedar Rapids, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Avenue of the Saints	170.8 mi	3h 14m
220th Avenue	22.6 mi	30m
460th Avenue	13 mi	17m
Marengo Avenue	4.8 mi	6m
Marshall Avenue	2.1 mi	2m
Southwest 7th Street	1.6 mi	3m
32nd Street Northeast	1.2 mi	2m
Broadway Street	1 mi	2m

Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 170.8 mi, about 3h 14m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Rapids, IA and Emmetsburg, 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

48 mi · 52 min · Avenue of the Saints

Keep slight left at fork onto US 20; IA 27

123 mi · 2 hr 21 min · Avenue of the Saints

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min

Toward IA 4: Rockwell City, Pocahontas

Turn right onto IA 4

1.4 mi · 1 min · Marshall Avenue

Keep slight left at fork onto IA 4

0.8 mi · 1 min · Marshall Avenue

Continue on IA 4

4.3 mi · 5 min · Marengo Avenue

Continue on IA 4; IA 7

0.7 mi · 1 min · South East Street

Continue on IA 4; IA 7

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Marengo Avenue

Continue on IA 4; IA 7

11 mi · 15 min · 220th Avenue

Continue on IA 4

1.6 mi · 3 min · Southwest 7th Street

Continue on IA 4

11 mi · 15 min · 220th Avenue

Continue on IA 4

13 mi · 17 min · 460th Avenue

Continue on IA 4

1.0 mi · 2 min · Broadway Street

Turn left onto US 18; IA 4

0.2 mi · 39 sec · Main Street

Turn right onto Lawler Street

332 ft · 12 sec · Lawler Street

Turn left onto 8th Street

87 ft · 3 sec · 8th Street

Arrive at destination

8th Street

Trip Plan

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 109.4 miles from Cedar Rapids, IA, or about 2h 5m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 170.8 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 48 miles or 54m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 109.4 miles or 2h 5m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 27m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Emmetsburg, 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 218.9 miles and 4h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 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 Avenue of the Saints for about 170.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Hardin County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Iowa Falls, IA

109 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

Elk Run Heights, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Iowa Falls, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 109.4 miles from Cedar Rapids, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Avenue of the Saints if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 170.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193936000

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.5 mi

Persis Biryani Indian Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13192003218

Visit website

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

2.8 mi

Veritas Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

2.5 mi

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193936000

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193950450

Visit website

Persis Biryani Indian Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13198262000

Visit website

Rio Burritos

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+13199815001

Visit website

Napoli's Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193772100

Visit website

Scott's Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13195504517

Visit website

Cobble Hill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour Expensive

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+13193663177

Visit website

Stack Wellness Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13192005558

Visit website

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13192003218

Visit website

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13192002791

Visit website

Veritas Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+13192083192

Visit website

Café Saint Pio

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13192001000

Roasters Coffeehouse NewBo

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Opus Concert Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13193668203

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

+18006360986

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 46.9

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

1.1 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Bistro at Blooms

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2:30 pm

+13194499996

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 49.9 and 218.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

49.9 mi into trip | ~56m in | US 20; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

Keep slight left at fork onto US 20; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

172.4 mi into trip | ~3h 17m in

Take the exit toward IA 4: Rockwell City, Pocahontas

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

Toward IA 4: Rockwell City, Pocahontas

174.2 mi into trip | ~3h 20m in | IA 4 / Marshall Avenue

Keep slight left at fork onto IA 4 / Marshall Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

218.8 mi into trip | ~4h 24m in | Lawler Street

Turn right onto Lawler Street

Navigation decision point

218.9 mi into trip | ~4h 24m in | 8th Street

Turn left onto 8th Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.22 one way

$68.45 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 77 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$37.57	$75.15
premium	$4.89	$42.13	$84.25
diesel	$5.61	$48.33	$96.66

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 76.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	65.7	0	$22.98	$10.51
Efficient EV	54.7	0	$19.15	$8.76
EV Truck/SUV	87.6	1	$30.65	$14.01

Gas CO2

77 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 18, 2026

Origin

Cedar Rapids, IA

Afternoon in Cedar Rapids on Saturday

Local time

2:40 PM

CDT

Current temp

36°F

Mostly Cloudy

NW 15 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 17 at 11:29PM CDT until April 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Omaha/Valley NE

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 17 at 10:38PM CDT until April 24 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Destination

Emmetsburg, IA

Afternoon in Emmetsburg on Saturday

Local time

2:40 PM

CDT

Current temp

47°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

11 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

4h 24m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

218.9 mi in 4h 24m across surface roads — expect steady turns and local traffic rather than long highway runs.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.

21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 170.8 mi on Avenue of the Saints.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 49.9 miles in near US 20; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 4h 24m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 49.9 miles (US 20; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 172.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 174.2 miles (IA 4 / Marshall Avenue): 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.

On the drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Emmetsburg, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Pocahontas along the way.

Pocahontas

172.4 mi in | ~3h 17m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 24m. Total distance: 218.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 170.8 miles on Avenue of the Saints. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Emmetsburg, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Return Trip

Emmetsburg, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

218.8 mi 4h 24m

Explore more options from Cedar Rapids, IA or browse trips ending in Emmetsburg, IA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.

Trip from Cedar Rapids, IA to Emmetsburg, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

HuHot Mongolian Grill

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

HuHot Mongolian Grill

Red Lobster

Persis Biryani Indian Grill

Rio Burritos

Napoli's Italian Restaurant

Scott's Family Restaurant

Cobble Hill

Stack Wellness Cafe

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

Groundswell Cafe

Veritas Cafe

Café Saint Pio

Roasters Coffeehouse NewBo

Opus Concert Cafe

Trading Grounds

Blink Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Bistro at Blooms

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Cedar Rapids, IA

Emmetsburg, IA

Same local time

11 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 24m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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