How far is Cedar Falls, IA from Charles City, IA?
The driving distance from Cedar Falls, IA to Charles City, IA is about 45.4 miles (73.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39 miles (62.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 51m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 55m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cedar Falls and Charles City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Falls and Charles City.
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1
Start on Main Street
16 m · 8 sec · Main Street
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2
Continue on Main Street
19 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Waterloo Road
55 m · 4 sec · Waterloo Road
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4
Exit the roundabout onto Waterloo Road
2177 ft · 54 sec · Waterloo Road
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5
Take the ramp left toward IA 27 north, IA 58 north
1368 ft · 33 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
42.2 mi · 49 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, US 218 Business, CR T64: Charles City, New Hampton
2121 ft · 53 sec
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8
Turn right onto Shadow Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Shadow Avenue
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9
Continue on South Grand Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · South Grand Avenue
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10
Continue on Gilbert Street
117 m · 15 sec · Gilbert Street
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11
Turn right onto Brantingham Street
1878 ft · 57 sec · Brantingham Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cedar Falls and Charles City.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
42.2 mi · 00h 49m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Cedar Falls and Showers And Thunderstorms near Charles City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cedar Falls to Charles City?
The road trip is about 45.4 miles (73.1 km) and usually takes 00h 55m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Plainfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.7 miles from Cedar Falls and 22.7 miles from Charles City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39 miles (62.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.4 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.98 one way or $13.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Cedar Falls and Showers And Thunderstorms near Charles City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cedar Falls and Charles City. Straight-line distance: 38.95 mi (62.69 km).
#1 Cedar Falls
The largest city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
| Population | 40,231 |
| Coordinates | 42.5277600, -92.4454700 |
| Altitude | 268 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Charles City
City in Iowa
| Population | 7,307 |
| Coordinates | 43.0663600, -92.6724100 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| Country | United States |
End: Charles City (-92.67241, 43.06636)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 73 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.98 | $13.95 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.87 | $15.74 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.61 | $17.22 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.81 | $19.62 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.