How far is Fairfield, IA from Cedar Falls, IA?
The driving distance from Fairfield, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is about 157.8 miles (253.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 107.9 miles (173.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 57m 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 28m.
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 Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fairfield and Cedar Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield and Cedar Falls.
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1
Start on East Briggs Avenue
126 m · 20 sec · East Briggs Avenue
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2
Turn right onto North B Street
719 ft · 25 sec · North B Street
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3
Turn left onto East Burlington Avenue
2.6 mi · 5 min · East Burlington Avenue
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4
Take the ramp left toward US 34, IA 163 East: Burlington
2081 ft · 51 sec
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5
Merge slight left
19.6 mi · 23 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
2097 ft · 58 sec
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7
Turn left onto Old US Highway 218
1.1 mi · 1 min · Old US Highway 218
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
121.4 mi · 2 hr 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
6.9 mi · 8 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Take the exit slight right toward IA 27, IA 58 North: Cedar Falls
1460 ft · 36 sec
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11
Keep slight left
79 m · 7 sec
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12
Turn right
4 mi · 5 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward 18th Street, Waterloo Road
1305 ft · 32 sec
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14
Continue on Waterloo Road
909 ft · 28 sec
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15
Turn left onto Waterloo Road
2180 ft · 46 sec · Waterloo Road
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16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Main Street
5 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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17
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
6 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairfield 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
121 mi · 02h 17m
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.
Sunny leaving Fairfield and Mostly Sunny near Cedar Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fairfield to Cedar Falls?
The road trip is about 157.8 miles (253.9 km) and usually takes 02h 28m 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?
North Liberty is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.8 miles from Fairfield and 79 miles from Cedar Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 107.9 miles (173.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 49.9 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 1:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.00 one way or $42.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fairfield and Mostly Sunny near Cedar Falls.
Stop Ideas Near North Liberty
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 North Liberty.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fairfield and Cedar Falls. Straight-line distance: 107.87 mi (173.6 km).
#1 Fairfield
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,500 |
| Coordinates | 41.0086300, -91.9626700 |
| Altitude | 236 |
| 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: 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 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.00 | $42.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.69 | $47.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.92 | $51.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.54 | $59.09 |
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.