How far is Clear Lake, IA from Cedar Falls, IA?
The driving distance from Clear Lake, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is about 86.9 miles (139.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 63.4 miles (102 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 49m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 01h 24m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clear Lake and Cedar Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clear Lake and Cedar Falls.
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1
Start on North 6th Street
24 m · 6 sec · North 6th Street
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2
Turn right onto 1st Avenue North
57 m · 10 sec · 1st Avenue North
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3
Turn right onto North 8th Street
1671 ft · 34 sec · North 8th Street
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4
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.1 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
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5
Take the ramp right toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des Moines
1796 ft · 44 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
1.7 mi · 2 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
2212 ft · 27 sec
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8
Turn slight right onto US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
82.3 mi · 1 hr 35 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Waterloo Road, 18th Street
1631 ft · 45 sec
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10
Turn right onto Waterloo Road
1768 ft · 35 sec · Waterloo Road
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Main Street
5 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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12
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
6 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Clear Lake and Cedar Falls.
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 18 East
Turn slight right onto US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
82.3 mi · 01h 35m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Clear Lake and Partly Sunny then 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 Clear Lake to Cedar Falls?
The road trip is about 86.9 miles (139.8 km) and usually takes 01h 24m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Charles City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.4 miles from Clear Lake and 43.5 miles from Cedar Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 63.4 miles (102 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.54 one way or $23.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Clear Lake and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cedar Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clear Lake and Cedar Falls. Straight-line distance: 63.38 mi (102 km).
#1 Clear Lake
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 7,517 |
| Coordinates | 43.1380200, -93.3793700 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| 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: 140 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.54 | $23.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.01 | $26.03 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.24 | $28.48 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.23 | $32.46 |
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.