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Trip from Fairfield, IA to Cedar Falls, IA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

3h 3m

Distance

157.6 mi

254 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

13 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 52m ★
6 AM
3h 4m
8 AM
3h 27m
10 AM
3h 12m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 13m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 57m

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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Downtown Fairfield, IA, IA

Fairfield, IA

Daniel Dorfer

city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States

Cedar Falls, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Fairfield, IA to Cedar Falls, IA covers 157.6 miles and takes about 3h 3m 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, US 34, IA 58 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 128.2 miles on Avenue of the Saints. At current regular gas prices, budget about $24.64 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

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

78.8 miles from Fairfield, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 3m. Total distance: 157.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a 3h 3m drive with frequent turns across 157.6 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 18 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 128.2 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 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near North B Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 157.6 miles you will encounter 14 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 0.1 miles (North B Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.8 miles (US 34 Business): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 152.5 miles (IA 27): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

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

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | North B Street

Turn right onto North B Street

Navigation decision point

7
2.8 mi into trip | ~5m in | US 34 Business

Take the ramp onto US 34 Business toward US 34, IA 163 East: Burlington

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward US 34, IA 163 East: Burlington
5
152.5 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in | IA 27

Take the exit onto IA 27 toward IA 27, IA 58 North: Cedar Falls

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

Toward IA 27, IA 58 North: Cedar Falls
5
152.8 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

6
156.8 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in

Take the exit toward 18th Street, Waterloo Road

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

Exit 184 Toward 18th Street, Waterloo Road

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Avenue of the Saints 128.2 mi 2h 24m
US 34 19.6 mi 22m
IA 58 4 mi 5m
East Burlington Avenue 2.6 mi 4m
Old US Highway 218 1.1 mi 1m
Waterloo Road 0.4 mi <1m
US 34 Business 0.4 mi <1m
IA 27 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 128.2 mi, about 2h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield, IA and Cedar Falls, IA.

1

Start on East Briggs Avenue

415 ft · 22 sec · East Briggs Avenue
2

Turn right onto North B Street

0.1 mi · 25 sec · North B Street
3

Turn left onto US 34 Business

2.6 mi · 4 min · East Burlington Avenue
4

Take the ramp onto US 34 Business

0.4 mi · 50 sec · US 34 Business
Toward US 34, IA 163 East: Burlington Use the left lane.
5

Merge onto US 34; IA 163

20 mi · 22 min · US 34; IA 163
6

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 234
7

Turn left onto US 218 Business

1.1 mi · 1 min · Old US Highway 218
8

Merge onto US 218; IA 27

121 mi · 2 hr 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
9

Keep slight left at fork onto US 20; IA 27

6.9 mi · 7 min · Avenue of the Saints
10

Take the exit onto IA 27

0.3 mi · 35 sec · IA 27
Toward IA 27, IA 58 North: Cedar Falls
11

Keep slight left at fork

260 ft · 8 sec
12

Turn right onto IA 58

4.0 mi · 5 min · IA 58
Use the left lane.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 184 Toward 18th Street, Waterloo Road
14

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 28 sec · this road
Toward Waterloo Road
15

Turn left onto Waterloo Road

0.4 mi · 45 sec · Waterloo Road
16

Enter roundabout onto Main Street

15 ft · 0 sec · Main Street
17

Continue on Main Street

21 ft · 0 sec · Main Street
18

Arrive at destination

Main 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 78.8 miles from Fairfield, IA, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.2 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 78.8 miles or 1h 32m 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 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cedar Falls, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, IA

This is one driving day of about 157.6 miles and 3h 3m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Fairfield, 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 128.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 78.8 mi from Fairfield, IA · 1h 32m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cedar Rapids, 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

Washington, IA

Fuel and coffee

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

North Liberty, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 78.8 miles from Fairfield, 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 128.2 miles.

Arriving in Cedar Falls, IA

The final approach into Cedar Falls, 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 Falls, IA.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

Green Gourmet Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fairfield, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+16414722277

Copper Boar American Pub

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

North Liberty, Iowa

0.9 mi

Pizza Ranch

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

North Liberty, Iowa

1.2 mi

Green Gourmet Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Fairfield, Iowa

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+16414722277

Copper Boar American Pub

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 78.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13196650008

Visit website

Pizza Ranch

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 78.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13196267999

Visit website

Oscar's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 101.3

Hiawatha, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13193788885

Visit website

Sushiya

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 78.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+13196266666

Visit website

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 78.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13196262935

Visit website

Midtown Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 67.6

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7:30 pm

+13193519323

Visit website

Pad Thai Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 22.5

Mt Pleasant, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–1:30 pm

+13193858520

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 146.4

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 67.6

Iowa City, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 78.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 146.4

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 90.1

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 112.6

Center Point, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 101.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargeLab Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 67.6

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.64 one way

$49.28 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.05 $54.11
premium $4.89 $30.33 $60.66
diesel $5.61 $34.80 $69.59

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: 55.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

13 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Tesla Supercharger

Iowa City, Iowa

Tesla

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Tesla

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Waterloo, Iowa

Tesla

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Coralville, Iowa

Tesla

1 DCFC

EV Connect Charging Station

Iowa City, Iowa

EV Connect

1 DCFC

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Coralville, Iowa

Shell Recharge

1 DCFC

Blink Charging Station

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Blink

1 DCFC

Blink Charging Station

Center Point, Iowa

Blink

1 DCFC

Tesla: 4 Blink: 3 Shell Recharge: 2 Other: 2 EV Connect: 1 ChargePoint: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.3 0 $16.55 $7.56
Efficient EV 39.4 0 $13.79 $6.30
EV Truck/SUV 63 0 $22.06 $10.09

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

18 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Fairfield, IA

Afternoon in Fairfield on Thursday

Local time

4:49 PM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cedar Falls, IA

Afternoon in Cedar Falls on Thursday

Local time

4:49 PM

CDT

Current temp

50°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

1 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 3m 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 Fairfield, IA to Cedar Falls, IA covers 157.6 miles and takes about 3h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Avenue of the Saints, US 34, IA 58. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 78.8 miles from Fairfield, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.64 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 157.6 miles you will encounter 14 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 0.1 miles (North B Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.8 miles (US 34 Business): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 152.5 miles (IA 27): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Fairfield, IA to Cedar Falls, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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