Drive Time
2h 2m
Distance
121.7 mi
Route Type
Turn-heavy local drive
Same-day tripSame Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
The drive from Des Moines, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 121.7 miles and takes about 2h 2m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on East University Avenue, East 14th Street, US 69 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. At current regular gas prices, budget about $18.07 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
60.8 miles from Des Moines, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 1m into the drive .
Expect a 2h 2m drive with frequent turns across 121.7 miles of local and secondary roads.
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| East University Avenue | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| East 14th Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| US 69 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| John MacVicar Freeway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 35 South | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 80 East | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| US 6 West | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Northeast Hubbell Avenue | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA.
Start on East University Avenue
Turn uturn onto East University Avenue
Turn right onto East 14th Street
Take the ramp left toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
Merge slight left
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Avenue
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
Take the exit right
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
Continue on 73rd Street
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
Continue straight
Take the exit slight right toward I-380, IA 27: Iowa City, Waterloo
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
Keep slight left to continue on I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
Take the exit slight right
Keep slight left
Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast
Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast
Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast
Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast
Arrive at your 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.
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 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.8 miles or 1h 1m 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.
Open the route before leaving Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, IA
This is one driving day of about 121.7 miles and 2h 2m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 60.8 mi from Des Moines, IA · 1h 1m into the drive
Late stop town
Meal stop
61 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.
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 60.8 miles from Des Moines, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
Regular Gas
$18.07 one way
$36.14 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $20.38 | $40.76 |
| premium | $4.65 | $22.30 | $44.60 |
| diesel | $5.30 | $25.41 | $50.83 |
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals (1 day)
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.6 kg one way.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive. If you're planning ahead, check the forecast closer to your travel date.
Origin
Late night in Des Moines on Saturday
Local time
3:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
44°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Late night in Cedar Rapids on Saturday
Local time
3:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Forecast unavailable right now
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Explore more options from Des Moines, IA or browse trips ending in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.
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