Origin
Manchester, IA
Afternoon in Manchester on Sunday
Local time
4:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Manchester, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA
Drive Time
48m
Distance
41.4 mi
67 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 45m
★
6 AM
0h 49m
8 AM
0h 57m
10 AM
0h 52m
12 PM
0h 51m
3 PM
0h 52m
5 PM
0h 57m
8 PM
0h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a straightforward connection between Manchester and Cedar Rapids, this 41.4-mile trek is a manageable trip that typically takes about 48 minutes. Because the distance is quite short, you can easily complete this drive in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $6 for fuel, making this a very cost-effective way to navigate the Midwest. Since the route avoids major interstates entirely, it offers a more grounded, local experience compared to typical highway travel. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a quick change of scenery, the simplicity of this trip makes it a reliable choice for your schedule.
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
20.7 miles from Manchester, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 24m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy, local driving experience that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. You will navigate using a combination of East Main Street, Highway 13, and Marion Road rather than cruising along high-speed interstates. With a highway share of 0%, this route is defined by its local character rather than long, monotonous stretches. In fact, your longest uninterrupted stretch is 0 miles on East Main Street, meaning you will be making frequent adjustments as you progress through the heart of the region. This is not a route for cruise control, but rather one that requires your full attention as you transition between these smaller roadways.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
East Main Street is one of the defining roads on this drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Manchester, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is easy. At 48m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Manchester, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| East Main Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Highway 13 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Marion Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| East Post Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| 30th Street Drive Southeast | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| 29th Street Drive Southeast | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| 29th Street Northeast | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Lindale Avenue Northeast | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
East Main Street
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Manchester, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA.
1
Start on North Tama Street
59 ft
·
5 sec
·
North Tama Street
2
Turn right onto East Main Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East Main Street
3
Turn left onto State Highway 13
15 mi
·
20 min
·
State Highway 13
4
Continue on Marion Road
19 mi
·
24 min
·
Marion Road
5
Turn right
2.6 mi
·
3 min
6
Turn left onto East Post Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Post Road
7
Turn right onto 30th Street Drive Southeast
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
30th Street Drive Southeast
8
Continue on 29th Street Drive Southeast
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
29th Street Drive Southeast
9
Continue on 29th Street Northeast
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
·
29th Street Northeast
10
Turn right onto Lindale Avenue Northeast
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
Lindale Avenue Northeast
11
Turn left onto Tiffany Drive Northeast
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
Tiffany Drive Northeast
12
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick 48-minute excursion, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time to avoid the heaviest traffic. You do not need to worry about planning for multiple stops or long-haul fatigue, as the short duration allows for a direct arrival. Keep in mind that because this route relies on local roads rather than major highways, your travel time may fluctuate slightly depending on local traffic patterns. Prior to heading out, ensure your tank is ready for the journey, as your $6 fuel estimate covers the base cost for this 41.4-mile distance. Use this efficiency to your advantage by focusing on a smooth, steady pace rather than rushing through the turns.
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 20.7 miles from Manchester, IA, or about 24m into the drive.
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 41.4 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 20.7 miles or 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 41m
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 Manchester, 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 Manchester, IA
This is one driving day of about 41.4 miles and 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Manchester, 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.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 20.7 mi from Manchester, IA · 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
21 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 41.4 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 20.7 miles from Manchester, 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
$6.29 one way
$12.58 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
15 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $6.93 | $13.86 |
| premium | $4.80 | $7.82 | $15.63 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $9.20 | $18.40 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 14.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 12.4 | 0 | $4.35 | $1.99 |
| Efficient EV | 10.4 | 0 | $3.62 | $1.66 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 16.6 | 0 | $5.80 | $2.65 |
Gas CO2
14 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (64% 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
4:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
43°F
Marion, IA
21 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
6 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
48m 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 Manchester, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 41.4 miles and takes about 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are East Main Street, Highway 13, Marion Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 20.7 miles from Manchester, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $6.29 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.
The drive from Manchester, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is easy. At 48m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Manchester, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Manchester, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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