How far is Cedar Falls, IA from Clear Lake, IA?
The driving distance from Cedar Falls, IA to Clear Lake, IA is about 86.6 miles (139.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 63.4 miles (102 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 23m 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 01h 41m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cedar Falls and Clear Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Falls and Clear Lake.
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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
84 mi · 1 hr 37 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business, CR B35: Clear Lake, Mason City
1386 ft · 40 sec
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8
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.2 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
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9
Turn right onto South 8th Street
1671 ft · 34 sec · South 8th Street
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10
Turn left onto 1st Avenue North
57 m · 14 sec · 1st Avenue North
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11
Turn left onto North 6th Street
24 m · 4 sec · North 6th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cedar Falls and Clear Lake.
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
84 mi · 01h 37m
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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Cedar Falls and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Clear Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cedar Falls to Clear Lake?
The road trip is about 86.6 miles (139.3 km) and usually takes 01h 41m 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?
Charles City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.2 miles from Cedar Falls and 43.3 miles from Clear Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 63.4 miles (102 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.2 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 3:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.50 one way or $23.00 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Cedar Falls and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Clear Lake.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cedar Falls and Clear Lake. Straight-line distance: 63.38 mi (102 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 Clear Lake
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 7,517 |
| Coordinates | 43.1380200, -93.3793700 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clear Lake (-93.37937, 43.13802)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 139 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.50 | $23.00 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.97 | $25.94 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.19 | $28.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.18 | $32.35 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.