How far is Charles City, IA from Cedar Falls, IA?
The driving distance from Charles City, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is about 45.4 miles (73.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39 miles (62.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 29m 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 44m.
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, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Charles City and Cedar Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charles City and Cedar Falls.
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1
Start on 4th Avenue
9 m · 3 sec · 4th Avenue
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2
Continue on Brantingham Street
1847 ft · 1 min · Brantingham Street
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3
Turn left onto Gilbert Street
117 m · 11 sec · Gilbert Street
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4
Continue on South Grand Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · South Grand Avenue
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5
Continue on Shadow Avenue
1.5 km · 1 min · Shadow Avenue
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6
Take the ramp left
1705 ft · 42 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
42.2 mi · 49 min · Avenue of the Saints
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Waterloo Road, 18th Street
1631 ft · 45 sec
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9
Turn right onto Waterloo Road
1768 ft · 35 sec · Waterloo Road
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Main Street
5 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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11
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
6 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Charles City and Cedar Falls.
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
42.2 mi · 00h 49m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Charles City and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cedar Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Charles City to Cedar Falls?
The road trip is about 45.4 miles (73.1 km) and usually takes 00h 44m 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?
Plainfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.7 miles from Charles City and 22.7 miles from Cedar Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39 miles (62.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.4 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 7:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.03 one way or $12.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Charles City and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cedar Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Charles City and Cedar Falls. Straight-line distance: 38.95 mi (62.69 km).
#1 Charles City
City in Iowa
| Population | 7,307 |
| Coordinates | 43.0663600, -92.6724100 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cedar Falls
The largest city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
| Population | 40,231 |
| Coordinates | 42.5277600, -92.4454700 |
| Altitude | 268 |
| Country | United States |
End: Main Street (-92.44555, 42.52776)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 73 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.03 | $12.07 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.80 | $13.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.45 | $14.89 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.49 | $16.97 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.