How far is Cedar Falls, IA from Storm Lake, IA?
The driving distance from Cedar Falls, IA to Storm Lake, IA is about 157.6 miles (253.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 23m 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 11m.
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.
City in Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Fog
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cedar Falls and Storm Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Falls and Storm 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 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
10.9 mi · 15 min
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15
Turn left
3.1 mi · 7 min
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16
Continue on Grand Avenue
942 ft · 40 sec · Grand Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cedar Falls and Storm Lake.
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.
Patchy Fog leaving Cedar Falls and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Storm Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cedar Falls to Storm Lake?
The road trip is about 157.6 miles (253.7 km) and usually takes 03h 11m 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?
Webster City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.6 miles from Cedar Falls and 79 miles from Storm Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.7 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 10:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.97 one way or $41.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Fog around Cedar Falls and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Storm Lake.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cedar Falls and Storm Lake. Straight-line distance: 140.83 mi (226.65 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 Storm Lake
City in Iowa
| Population | 10,438 |
| Coordinates | 42.6410900, -95.2097200 |
| Altitude | 433 |
| Country | United States |
End: Storm Lake (-95.20972, 42.64109)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 254 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 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 | $20.97 | $41.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.65 | $47.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.88 | $51.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.49 | $58.98 |
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.