Origin
Grimes, IA
Afternoon in Grimes on Friday
Local time
2:07 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Grimes, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 37m
Distance
129.2 mi
208 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 27m
★
6 AM
2h 37m
8 AM
2h 58m
10 AM
2h 44m
12 PM
2h 42m
3 PM
2h 46m
5 PM
2h 57m
8 PM
2h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Grimes, IA
Alexander Krivitskiy
Trip Overview
This straightforward 129.2-mile drive from Grimes to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes. With a modest fuel cost estimated at $20, it's an economical option for exploring the Midwest. The route primarily utilizes local roads like Lincoln Highway, Northeast Hubbell Road, and 73rd Street, offering a connected, turn-heavy local experience rather than an interstate cruise. You'll find this drive to be a practical way to get from point A to point B within Iowa, with only one recommended stop to break up the journey.
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
64.6 miles from Grimes, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 37m. Total distance: 129.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this 129.2-mile journey through Iowa. While only 17% of the route is on highways, you'll encounter a longest stretch of 37 miles on the historic Lincoln Highway, offering a more continuous segment. The road's personality is defined by its local roads, which means a more engaged driving experience with frequent turns and intersections. This isn't a high-speed interstate cruise; instead, it's a drive where you'll feel more connected to the landscape as you navigate through towns and rural areas.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 30 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 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 3.7 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 129.2 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 3.7 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.3 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.8 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
3.7 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Turn left toward I-35 north, I-80 east: Minneapolis, Davenport
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-35 north, I-80 east: Minneapolis, Dave...
6
13.3 mi into trip
|
~18m in
|
I 80
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
8
17.8 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
US 65
Take the exit onto US 65 toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 142
Toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Ma...
7
126.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
7
126.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Grimes, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs point toward Bondurant and Marion.
Bondurant
17.8 mi in
|
~23m
|
via US 65
Marion
117.1 mi in
|
~2h 20m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Highway | 37 mi | 42m |
| Northeast Hubbell Road | 33.5 mi | 39m |
| 73rd Street | 26.8 mi | 30m |
| I 80 | 13 mi | 14m |
| IA 100 | 8.3 mi | 9m |
| Southeast Grimes Boulevard | 2 mi | 3m |
| 32nd Street Northeast | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Northeast Hubbell Avenue | 1.2 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Lincoln Highway
— 37 mi, about 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grimes, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA.
1
Start on Southeast Main Street
22 ft
·
4 sec
·
Southeast Main Street
2
Turn right onto IA 44
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East 1st Street
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
4
Merge onto IA 141
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
Grimes Boulevard
5
Continue on IA 141
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Southeast Grimes Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on IA 141
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
Northwest Urbandale Drive
7
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I-35 north, I-80 east: Minneapolis, Davenport
8
Merge onto I 80; I 35
7.9 mi
·
9 min
·
I 80; I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 35; I 80
0.7 mi
·
50 sec
·
I 35; I 80
10
Continue on I 80; I 35
0.6 mi
·
40 sec
·
I 80; I 35
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
I 80
Use the slight left lane.
12
Take the exit onto US 65
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 65
Exit 142
Toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
Use the slight right lane.
13
Turn left onto US 65; IA 330
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast Hubbell Avenue
14
Continue on US 65; IA 330
33 mi
·
39 min
·
Northeast Hubbell Road
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
16
Merge onto US 30
37 mi
·
42 min
·
Lincoln Highway
17
Continue on US 30
27 mi
·
30 min
·
73rd Street
18
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
19
Continue on IA 100
8.3 mi
·
9 min
·
IA 100
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward I-380, IA 27: Iowa City, Waterloo
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
23
Merge onto I 380; IA 27
0.5 mi
·
38 sec
·
Avenue of the Saints
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
25
Keep slight left at fork
121 ft
·
4 sec
26
Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
32nd Street Northeast
27
Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast
184 ft
·
10 sec
·
Crystal Drive Northeast
28
Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast
177 ft
·
7 sec
·
Crystal Drive Northeast
29
Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast
428 ft
·
18 sec
·
Tiperary Drive Northeast
30
Arrive at destination
Tiperary Drive Northeast
Trip Plan
Given the short 2 hour and 37 minute duration for this 129.2-mile trip, you have plenty of flexibility. Consider an early morning departure to maximize your time in Cedar Rapids, or leave mid-morning to enjoy a relaxed start from Grimes. With an estimated fuel cost of $20, refueling is unlikely to be a major concern, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Keep an eye out for the Lincoln Highway; this historic route is a key component of your drive, and following its path offers a glimpse into Iowa's past.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 64.6 miles from Grimes, IA, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37 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 28 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 64.6 miles or 1h 19m 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 7m
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 Grimes, 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 Grimes, IA
This is one driving day of about 129.2 miles and 2h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Grimes, 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 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 64.6 mi from Grimes, IA · 1h 19m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
65 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 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 64.6 miles from Grimes, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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
$20.20 one way
$40.40 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
45 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $22.18 | $44.36 |
| premium | $4.89 | $24.86 | $49.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $28.53 | $57.05 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 38.8 | 0 | $13.57 | $6.20 |
| Efficient EV | 32.3 | 0 | $11.30 | $5.17 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 51.7 | 0 | $18.09 | $8.27 |
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 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 Friday
Local time
2:07 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°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
2 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 37m 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 Grimes, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 129.2 miles and takes about 2h 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Lincoln Highway, Northeast Hubbell Road, 73rd Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 64.6 miles from Grimes, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.20 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 129.2 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.7 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.3 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.8 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Grimes, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs point toward Bondurant and Marion.
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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