How far is Cedar Falls, IA from Independence, IA?
The driving distance from Cedar Falls, IA to Independence, IA is about 35.2 miles (56.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28.6 miles (46.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 27m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 43m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cedar Falls and Independence.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Falls and Independence.
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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 left
15.6 mi · 18 min
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11
Take the exit slight right
1719 ft · 42 sec
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12
Turn left onto Jamestown Avenue
99 m · 9 sec · Jamestown Avenue
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13
Continue on 3rd Avenue Southeast
1.4 mi · 2 min · 3rd Avenue Southeast
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14
Turn right onto 1st Street East
647 ft · 15 sec · 1st Street East
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15
Turn right onto 5th Avenue Southeast
13 m · 2 sec · 5th Avenue Southeast
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 5th Avenue Southeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cedar Falls and Independence.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 East
Keep slight left
15.6 mi · 00h 18m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Patchy Fog then Sunny leaving Cedar Falls and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Independence.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cedar Falls to Independence?
The road trip is about 35.2 miles (56.7 km) and usually takes 00h 43m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Raymond is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.6 miles from Cedar Falls and 17.6 miles from Independence.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28.6 miles (46.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.6 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.68 one way or $9.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Fog then Sunny around Cedar Falls and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Independence.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cedar Falls and Independence. Straight-line distance: 28.63 mi (46.07 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 Independence
City in Iowa
| Population | 6,203 |
| Coordinates | 42.4686000, -91.8893400 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
End: Independence (-91.88934, 42.4686)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 57 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.68 | $9.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.27 | $10.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.77 | $11.54 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.58 | $13.15 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.