How far is Dubuque, IA from Cedar Falls, IA?
The driving distance from Dubuque, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is about 99.6 miles (160.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.7 miles (146 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 14m 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 37m.
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 Delaware County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dubuque and Cedar Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Cedar Falls.
-
1
Start on Central Avenue
929 ft · 34 sec · Central Avenue
-
2
Take the ramp straight toward US 61 South, US 151 South
1248 ft · 32 sec
-
3
Turn right onto Locust Street Conn
1166 ft · 36 sec · Locust Street Conn
-
4
Turn right onto Dodge Street
87 mi · 1 hr 43 min · Dodge Street
-
5
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
6.9 mi · 8 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 27, IA 58 North: Cedar Falls
1460 ft · 36 sec
-
7
Keep slight left
79 m · 9 sec
-
8
Turn right
4 mi · 5 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward 18th Street, Waterloo Road
1305 ft · 32 sec
-
10
Continue on Waterloo Road
909 ft · 28 sec
-
11
Turn left onto Waterloo Road
2180 ft · 46 sec · Waterloo Road
-
12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Main Street
5 m · 1 sec · Main Street
-
13
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
6 m · 1 sec · Main Street
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dubuque 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.
Dodge Street
Turn right onto Dodge Street
87 mi · 01h 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.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Dubuque 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 Dubuque to Cedar Falls?
The road trip is about 99.6 miles (160.3 km) and usually takes 01h 37m 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?
Masonville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.7 miles from Dubuque and 49.9 miles from Cedar Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.7 miles (146 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.9 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 3:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.24 one way or $26.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Dubuque and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cedar Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dubuque and Cedar Falls. Straight-line distance: 90.72 mi (146 km).
#1 Dubuque
The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.
| Population | 57,781 |
| Coordinates | 42.5005600, -90.6645700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| 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: 160 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.24 | $26.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.93 | $29.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.34 | $32.67 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.62 | $37.23 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.