Origin
Osceola County, IA
Afternoon in Osceola County on Sunday
Local time
2:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Osceola County, IA to Cedar Falls, IA
Drive Time
4h 51m
Distance
230.4 mi
371 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 38m
★
6 AM
4h 51m
8 AM
5h 18m
10 AM
5h 0m
12 PM
4h 58m
3 PM
5h 2m
5 PM
5h 17m
8 PM
4h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Osceola County, IA
Tom Fisk
Cedar Falls, IA
Chris F
Trip Overview
Spanning 232.8 miles across the Iowa landscape, this journey from Osceola County to Cedar Falls typically takes about 3 hours and 54 minutes. Because the route is categorized as a turn-heavy local drive, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion. You should budget approximately $35 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Since the entire trip takes place within the Midwest, you will experience a consistent regional feel throughout the drive. It is an ideal route if you prefer navigating local roads over the predictability of major interstates. With only one recommended stop, you can easily complete the transition between these two points without needing an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
115.2 miles from Osceola County, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 34m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a very different experience than a standard interstate commute, as this route features zero highway miles. Instead, you will navigate a series of local roads, including 190th Street, County Highway A30, and 320th Street. The drive is distinctly turn-heavy, requiring you to stay alert and engaged with the road layout rather than setting a cruise control for hours. Because there are no long, uninterrupted stretches on 190th Street, your pace will be dictated by the frequent transitions between these local thoroughfares. This is a hands-on driving experience that demands your full attention as you traverse the rural Iowa grid.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
220th Street is the longest continuous segment at about 147.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near 190th Street.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 4h 51m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (190th Street): Navigation decision point; at 15.3 miles (US 59 / Silver Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.2 miles (US 59 / Tanager Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
190th Street
Turn right onto 190th Street
Navigation decision point
6
15.3 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
US 59 / Silver Avenue
Turn right onto US 59 / Silver Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
34.2 mi into trip
|
~50m in
|
US 59 / Tanager Avenue
Turn right onto US 59 / Tanager Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
227.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 45m in
|
University Avenue
Enter roundabout onto University Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
6
229.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 49m in
|
Main Street
Enter roundabout onto Main Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 220th Street | 147.1 mi | 2h 49m |
| Silver Avenue | 13.5 mi | 19m |
| County Highway A30 | 13 mi | 17m |
| 20th Avenue | 9.2 mi | 12m |
| Railroad Street | 6.6 mi | 9m |
| Armstrong Avenue | 6 mi | 8m |
| University Avenue | 5.3 mi | 8m |
| 470th Street | 4.1 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
220th Street
— 147.1 mi, about 2h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Osceola County, IA and Cedar Falls, IA.
1
Start on Silver Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Silver Avenue
2
Turn right onto 190th Street
1.0 mi
·
3 min
·
190th Street
3
Turn left onto US 59
13 mi
·
17 min
·
County Highway A30
4
Turn left onto US 18; US 59
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
320th Street
5
Turn right onto US 59
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Silver Avenue
Use the right lane.
6
Continue on US 59
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
North Rerick Avenue
7
Continue on US 59
7.2 mi
·
9 min
·
Silver Avenue
8
Continue on US 59; IA 10
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
470th Street
9
Turn right onto US 59
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Tanager Avenue
Use the right lane.
10
Continue on US 59
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Q Avenue
11
Continue on US 59
6.6 mi
·
9 min
·
Railroad Street
12
Turn left onto IA 3
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 3
13
Turn left onto IA 3
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
530th Street
14
Turn right onto IA 7
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
V Avenue
15
Continue on IA 7
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
1st Street
16
Continue on IA 7
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 7
17
Continue on IA 7
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway 7
18
Turn right onto 20th Avenue
9.2 mi
·
12 min
·
20th Avenue
19
Continue on CR M27
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Armstrong Avenue
20
At end of road, turn left onto US 20
147 mi
·
2 hr 49 min
·
220th Street
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
22
Turn left onto Grundy Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Grundy Road
23
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
University Avenue
24
Enter roundabout onto University Avenue
88 ft
·
1 sec
·
University Avenue
25
Continue on University Avenue
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
University Avenue
26
Turn left onto Main Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Main Street
27
Enter roundabout onto Main Street
77 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
28
Continue on Main Street
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
29
Enter roundabout onto Main Street
74 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
30
Continue on Main Street
21 ft
·
0 sec
·
Main Street
31
Arrive at destination
Main Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a sub-four-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though starting in the morning will help you navigate the turn-heavy sections in full daylight. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh, as the constant navigation of local roads can be more mentally taxing than highway driving. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as local roads may offer fewer service station options than a major interstate corridor. Given the $35 estimated fuel cost, it is wise to fill up before you leave Osceola County to avoid unnecessary detours. Use your GPS navigation tools diligently, as the reliance on smaller county roads makes missed turns more likely than on a standard highway route.
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 115.2 miles from Osceola County, IA, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 147.1 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 80 miles or 1h 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.2 miles or 2h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 59m
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 Osceola County, 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 Osceola County, IA
This is one driving day of about 230.4 miles and 4h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Osceola County, 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 220th Street for about 147.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 115.2 mi from Osceola County, IA · 2h 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
115 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 115.2 miles from Osceola County, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before 220th Street if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 147.1 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.00 one way
$69.99 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
81 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $38.58 | $77.16 |
| premium | $4.80 | $43.49 | $86.99 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $51.19 | $102.37 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 69.1 | 0 | $24.19 | $11.06 |
| Efficient EV | 57.6 | 0 | $20.16 | $9.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 92.2 | 1 | $32.26 | $14.75 |
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Falls, IA
Afternoon in Cedar Falls on Sunday
Local time
2:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
47°F
Denison, IA
115 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
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 51m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Osceola County, IA to Cedar Falls, IA covers 230.4 miles and takes about 4h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are 220th Street, Silver Avenue, County Highway A30. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 115.2 miles from Osceola County, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.00 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a straightforward 4h 51m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (190th Street): Navigation decision point; at 15.3 miles (US 59 / Silver Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.2 miles (US 59 / Tanager Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Osceola County, IA to Cedar Falls, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Cedar Falls, IA
More trips to Cedar Falls, IA
Explore more options from Osceola County, IA or browse trips ending in Cedar Falls, IA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.
Explore maps for Osceola County, IA or Cedar Falls, IA on MapSof.net.