How far is Cedar Falls, IA from Spencer, IA?
The driving distance from Cedar Falls, IA to Spencer, IA is about 190.5 miles (306.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 143.2 miles (230.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 51m 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 55m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Human settlement in Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cedar Falls and Spencer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Falls and Spencer.
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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
1.3 km · 1 min · Main Street
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
24 m · 2 sec · Main Street
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6
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
993 ft · 22 sec · Main Street
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7
Turn right onto University Avenue
1.7 mi · 3 min · University Avenue
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward University Avenue
38 m · 3 sec · University Avenue
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9
Exit the roundabout onto University Avenue
3.5 mi · 5 min · University Avenue
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10
Continue on Grundy Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Grundy Road
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11
Take the ramp right
2235 ft · 54 sec
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12
Merge slight left
135.5 mi · 2 hr 36 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake
1974 ft · 57 sec
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14
Turn right
45.2 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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15
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2694 ft · 1 min · 11th Street Southwest
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16
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 54 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
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17
At the end of the road, turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 41 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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18
Turn left onto South Grand Avenue
2631 ft · 2 min · South Grand Avenue
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19
Turn right onto East 4th Street
21 m · 1 sec · East 4th Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cedar Falls and Spencer.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Grundy Road
Merge slight left
136 mi · 02h 36m
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.
Sunny leaving Cedar Falls and Sunny near Spencer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cedar Falls to Spencer?
The road trip is about 190.5 miles (306.5 km) and usually takes 03h 55m 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?
Moorland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 95.1 miles from Cedar Falls and 95.4 miles from Spencer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 143.2 miles (230.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.3 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 9:08 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.34 one way or $50.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cedar Falls and Sunny near Spencer.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cedar Falls and Spencer. Straight-line distance: 143.16 mi (230.4 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 Spencer
City in the state of Iowa (United States)
| Population | 10,989 |
| Coordinates | 43.1413600, -95.1444400 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| Country | United States |
End: Spencer (-95.14444, 43.14136)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 306 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.34 | $50.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.58 | $57.16 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.27 | $62.55 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.64 | $71.29 |
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.