How far is Cedar Falls, IA from Fairfield, IA?
The driving distance from Cedar Falls, IA to Fairfield, IA is about 157.1 miles (252.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 107.9 miles (173.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 06m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 03m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cedar Falls and Fairfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Falls and Fairfield.
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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 2 toward Main Street
32 m · 2 sec · Main Street
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4
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
1975 ft · 40 sec · Main Street
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5
Turn left onto West 18th Street
12 m · 3 sec · West 18th Street
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6
At the end of the road, turn straight onto East 18th Street
854 ft · 23 sec · East 18th Street
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7
Take the ramp right toward IA 27 south, IA 58 south
1251 ft · 31 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
4.1 mi · 5 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Turn left onto US 20 East, IA 27 South: Dubuque, Cedar Rapids
12.8 mi · 15 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
115.8 mi · 2 hr 11 min · Avenue of the Saints
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11
Keep slight right
2853 ft · 38 sec
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12
Take the exit right
2249 ft · 55 sec
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13
Merge slight left
19.4 mi · 22 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 34 Business West
3006 ft · 1 min
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15
Turn right onto East Burlington Avenue
2.4 mi · 4 min · East Burlington Avenue
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16
Turn right onto North B Street
719 ft · 25 sec · North B Street
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17
Turn left onto East Briggs Avenue
126 m · 20 sec · East Briggs Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Briggs Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cedar Falls and Fairfield.
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
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
116 mi · 02h 11m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Cedar Falls and Sunny near Fairfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cedar Falls to Fairfield?
The road trip is about 157.1 miles (252.9 km) and usually takes 03h 03m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
North Liberty is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.5 miles from Cedar Falls and 78.6 miles from Fairfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 107.9 miles (173.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 49.2 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:54 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.89 one way or $41.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Cedar Falls and Sunny near Fairfield.
Stop Ideas Near North Liberty
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to North Liberty.
Mount Pleasant
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Moline, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cedar Falls and Fairfield. Straight-line distance: 107.87 mi (173.6 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 Fairfield
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,500 |
| Coordinates | 41.0086300, -91.9626700 |
| Altitude | 236 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairfield (-91.96267, 41.00863)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 253 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.89 | $41.78 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.56 | $47.12 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.78 | $51.57 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.38 | $58.77 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.