Origin
Charles City, IA
Afternoon in Charles City on Sunday
Local time
3:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Charles City, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA
Drive Time
2h 2m
Distance
103.7 mi
167 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 54m
★
6 AM
2h 3m
8 AM
2h 20m
10 AM
2h 9m
12 PM
2h 7m
3 PM
2h 10m
5 PM
2h 20m
8 PM
1h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Charles City, IA
Phil Evenden
Trip Overview
Connecting Charles City to Cedar Rapids, this 103.7-mile journey is a straightforward Midwest drive that typically takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Because the duration is quite manageable, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, meaning you won’t need to worry about overnight lodging. You should budget approximately $16 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating through Iowa, you will transition between regional corridors, moving from Charles City toward the urban center of Cedar Rapids. It is a practical, no-nonsense path that offers a reliable connection between these two points without requiring an extensive travel itinerary.
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
51.9 miles from Charles City, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 3m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a drive defined by its turn-heavy local segments, which account for the majority of the experience. Only 13% of this trip is spent on highways, so you will spend more time navigating local roads than cruising on interstates. You will find your longest uninterrupted stretch on the Avenue of the Saints, which spans 83.5 miles and provides the most consistent pace of the entire trip. As you move from the Avenue of the Saints onto the Leo P Rooff Expressway and eventually I-380, the road personality shifts from rural connections to more structured expressway driving. Stay alert for the frequent turns that characterize the local portions of your route.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Avenue of the Saints is the longest continuous segment at about 83.5 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 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near US 18; US 218 Business / Gilbert Street.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 103.7 miles you will encounter 11 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: at 0.4 miles (US 18; US 218 Business / Gilbert Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.2 miles (US 218 Business): Navigation decision point; at 53.2 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 18; US 218 Business / Gilbert Street
Turn left onto US 18; US 218 Business / Gilbert Street
Navigation decision point
4
2.2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
US 218 Business
Take the ramp onto US 218 Business
Navigation decision point
6
53.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 5m 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
59.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m 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
102.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 59m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Towns Along This Route
Between Charles City, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs point toward Dubuque and Cedar Falls.
Dubuque
53.2 mi in
|
~1h 5m
|
via I 380
Cedar Falls
53.2 mi in
|
~1h 5m
|
via I 380
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Avenue of the Saints | 83.5 mi | 1h 33m |
| 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 |
| Shadow Avenue | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| South Grand Avenue | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Brantingham Street | 0.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Avenue of the Saints
— 83.5 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charles City, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA.
1
Start on US 18
31 ft
·
2 sec
·
4th Avenue
2
Continue on US 18
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Brantingham Street
3
Turn left onto US 18; US 218 Business
383 ft
·
10 sec
·
Gilbert Street
4
Continue on US 18; US 218 Business
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
South Grand Avenue
5
Continue on US 18; US 218 Business
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Shadow Avenue
6
Take the ramp onto US 218 Business
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
US 218 Business
7
Merge onto US 218; IA 27
41 mi
·
47 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
8
Take the exit
317 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 218 south: Waterloo
9
Continue on US 218
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
US 218
Toward US 218 south: Waterloo
10
Merge onto US 218
6.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Leo P Rooff Expressway
11
Continue on US 218
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Washington Street
12
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
13
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
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
15
Keep slight left at fork
121 ft
·
4 sec
16
Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
32nd Street Northeast
17
Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast
184 ft
·
10 sec
·
Crystal Drive Northeast
18
Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast
177 ft
·
7 sec
·
Crystal Drive Northeast
19
Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast
428 ft
·
18 sec
·
Tiperary Drive Northeast
20
Arrive at destination
Tiperary Drive Northeast
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. You won't need to plan for any mandatory stops, as the 2-hour-and-2-minute duration is easily manageable in one go. If you prefer to avoid potential traffic, keep an eye on your transition onto I-380 as you approach Cedar Rapids. Because the highway share is low, ensure your vehicle is comfortable for handling the turn-heavy local roads that make up the bulk of your 103.7-mile trek. Planning your departure to avoid peak local transit times will help ensure a smooth transition from the long stretch on the Avenue of the Saints to your final destination.
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 51.9 miles from Charles City, IA, or about 1h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.5 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 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.9 miles or 1h 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 1h 40m
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 Charles City, 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 Charles City, IA
This is one driving day of about 103.7 miles and 2h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Charles City, 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 Avenue of the Saints for about 83.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 51.9 mi from Charles City, IA · 1h 3m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
52 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 51.9 miles from Charles City, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Avenue of the Saints if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 83.5 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
$15.75 one way
$31.50 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
36 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $17.36 | $34.73 |
| premium | $4.80 | $19.58 | $39.15 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $23.04 | $46.08 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 31.1 | 0 | $10.89 | $4.98 |
| Efficient EV | 25.9 | 0 | $9.07 | $4.15 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 41.5 | 0 | $14.52 | $6.64 |
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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 Rapids, IA
Afternoon in Cedar Rapids on Sunday
Local time
3:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
42°F
Waterloo, IA
52 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
2h 2m 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 Charles City, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 103.7 miles and takes about 2h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Avenue of the Saints, Leo P Rooff Expressway, I 380. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 51.9 miles from Charles City, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.75 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.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 103.7 miles you will encounter 11 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: at 0.4 miles (US 18; US 218 Business / Gilbert Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.2 miles (US 218 Business): Navigation decision point; at 53.2 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Charles City, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs point toward Dubuque and Cedar Falls.
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