How far is Des Moines, IA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is about 121.7 miles (195.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.1 miles (169.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 05m 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 02h 02m.
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.
Human settlement in Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
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1
Start on East University Avenue
147 m · 39 sec · East University Avenue
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2
Turn uturn onto East University Avenue
2836 ft · 1 min · East University Avenue
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3
Turn right onto East 14th Street
1908 ft · 58 sec · East 14th Street
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4
Take the ramp left toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet
1.3 km · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
1476 ft · 36 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1628 ft · 40 sec
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8
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
2428 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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11
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
33.5 mi · 39 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
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12
Take the exit right
2792 ft · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
37 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway
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14
Continue on 73rd Street
26.8 mi · 31 min · 73rd Street
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15
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
1.6 km · 2 min
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16
Continue straight
8.3 mi · 10 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward I-380, IA 27: Iowa City, Waterloo
1323 ft · 32 sec
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18
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
687 ft · 14 sec
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19
Keep slight left to continue on I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
1332 ft · 32 sec
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20
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
2737 ft · 39 sec · Avenue of the Saints
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21
Take the exit slight right
1398 ft · 34 sec
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22
Keep slight left
37 m · 5 sec
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23
Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast
1.3 mi · 2 min · 32nd Street Northeast
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24
Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast
56 m · 10 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
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25
Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast
54 m · 8 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
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26
Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast
130 m · 19 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast
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27
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Lincoln Highway
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
37 mi · 00h 43m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Des Moines and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cedar Rapids.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids?
The road trip is about 121.7 miles (195.8 km) and usually takes 02h 02m 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?
Montour is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60.2 miles from Des Moines and 61.5 miles from Cedar Rapids.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.1 miles (169.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.6 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.18 one way or $32.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Des Moines and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cedar Rapids.
Stop Ideas Near Montour
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Montour.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. Straight-line distance: 105.06 mi (169.07 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cedar Rapids
The second most populous city in Iowa.
| Population | 134,027 |
| Coordinates | 42.0083300, -91.6440700 |
| Altitude | 247 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tiperary Drive Northeast (-91.643986, 42.00833)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 196 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.18 | $32.36 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.25 | $36.49 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.97 | $39.93 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.75 | $45.51 |
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.