Origin
Mount Vernon, IA
Evening in Mount Vernon on Wednesday
Local time
7:16 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Mount Vernon, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
26m
Distance
17.5 mi
28 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 24m
★
6 AM
0h 26m
8 AM
0h 30m
10 AM
0h 28m
12 PM
0h 27m
3 PM
0h 28m
5 PM
0h 30m
8 PM
0h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mount Vernon, IA
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick, straightforward transit between Mount Vernon and Cedar Rapids, this 15.4-mile trip is an ideal candidate for a short day excursion. Expect to spend about 23 minutes behind the wheel as you navigate through the heart of the Midwest. Since the entire journey is quite brief, you won't need to plan for overnight stays or extensive logistical breaks. With a fuel cost estimate of just $2, this is an incredibly budget-friendly way to move between these two Iowa locations. Whether you are commuting or simply heading into the city for the day, the simplicity of this route makes it a practical choice for any driver.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
8.7 miles from Mount Vernon, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 13m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy, local driving experience rather than a high-speed interstate cruise, as this route features zero highway miles. Your path will primarily utilize 1st Street East, 1st Avenue South, and Highway 1 to bridge the gap between towns. Because the longest stretch on any single road is 0 miles on 1st Street East, you should be prepared for frequent transitions and active steering. This is a classic local drive that keeps you engaged with the changing surroundings of the Iowa landscape. It is best suited for those who prefer navigating regional roads over the monotony of a major highway.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
1st Street East 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 Mount Vernon, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is easy. At 26m 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 Mount Vernon, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Street East | — | — |
| 1st Avenue South | — | — |
| Highway 1 | — | — |
| US 30 west | — | — |
| US 151 North | — | — |
| Lakeside Rd | — | — |
| 30th Street Drive Southeast | — | — |
| 29th Street Drive Southeast | — | — |
Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.
Longest stretch:
1st Street East
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mount Vernon, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA.
1
Start on the route
75 ft
·
10 sec
·
the route
2
Turn left
66 ft
·
11 sec
3
Turn left onto 1st Street East
230 ft
·
14 sec
·
1st Street East
4
Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
1st Avenue South
5
Continue on State Highway 1
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
State Highway 1
6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward State Highway 1
121 ft
·
6 sec
·
State Highway 1
7
Exit the roundabout onto State Highway 1
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
State Highway 1
8
Take the ramp right toward US 30 west: Cedar Rapids
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
US 30 west: Cedar Rapids
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 151 North, IA 13 North: Marion
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
US 151 North, IA 13 North: Marion
10
Continue straight
4.4 mi
·
5 min
11
Turn left onto Lakeside Rd
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Lakeside Rd
12
Continue on 30th Street Drive Southeast
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
30th Street Drive Southeast
13
Continue on 29th Street Drive Southeast
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
29th Street Drive Southeast
14
Continue on 29th Street Northeast
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
·
29th Street Northeast
15
Turn right onto Lindale Avenue Northeast
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
Lindale Avenue Northeast
16
Turn left onto Tiffany Drive Northeast
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
Tiffany Drive Northeast
17
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Because this drive takes less than half an hour, you have maximum flexibility when choosing your departure time. You will not need to worry about planning formal stops or rest breaks along the way, as the 15.4-mile distance is easily manageable in one go. Keep in mind that since you are navigating local roads rather than a highway system, traffic patterns can shift quickly. If you are budget-conscious, the $2 fuel estimate makes this an easy trip to factor into your daily expenses. Make sure to stay alert for the constant turns required by the local road layout, as this route demands your full attention from start to finish.
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 8.7 miles from Mount Vernon, IA, or about 13m 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 17.5 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 8.7 miles or 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cedar Rapids, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving Mount Vernon, IA.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Mount Vernon, IA
This is one driving day of about 17.5 miles and 26m.
At 17.5 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 8.7 mi from Mount Vernon, IA · 13m into the drive
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 17.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 8.7 miles from Mount Vernon, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Cedar Rapids, IA
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Cedar Rapids, IA if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$2.74 one way
$5.47 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
6 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $3.00 | $6.01 |
| premium | $4.89 | $3.37 | $6.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $3.86 | $7.73 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 6.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 5.3 | 0 | $1.84 | $0.84 |
| Efficient EV | 4.4 | 0 | $1.53 | $0.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 7 | 0 | $2.45 | $1.12 |
Gas CO2
6 kg
EV CO2
2 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
Evening in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday
Local time
7:16 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
26m 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 Mount Vernon, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 17.5 miles and takes about 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are 1st Street East, 1st Avenue South, Highway 1. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 8.7 miles from Mount Vernon, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $2.74 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 Mount Vernon, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is easy. At 26m 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 Mount Vernon, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Mount Vernon, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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