How far is Forest City, IA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance from Forest City, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is about 167.3 miles (269.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.3 miles (214.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 27m 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 43m.
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, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Forest City and Cedar Rapids.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Forest City and Cedar Rapids.
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1
Start on South 4th Street
109 m · 18 sec · South 4th Street
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2
Turn right onto East J Street
1114 ft · 28 sec · East J Street
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3
Turn right
1.5 mi · 2 min
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4
Turn left onto 330th Street
8 mi · 11 min · 330th Street
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5
At the end of the road, turn right onto Balsam Avenue
2 mi · 4 min · Balsam Avenue
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6
Turn left onto 310th Street
5 mi · 7 min · 310th Street
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7
Continue on Grouse Avenue
1.5 km · 1 min · Grouse Avenue
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8
Turn left onto 300th Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 300th Street
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9
Take the ramp right
1929 ft · 47 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
6.2 mi · 7 min · Avenue of the Saints
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
2212 ft · 27 sec
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12
Turn slight right onto US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
81.3 mi · 1 hr 34 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 south: Waterloo
97 m · 8 sec
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14
Continue on US 218 south: Waterloo
1625 ft · 40 sec
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15
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
6.7 mi · 8 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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16
Continue on Washington Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · Washington Street
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17
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
6.5 mi · 8 min
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18
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
42.3 mi · 46 min · Avenue of the Saints
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19
Take the exit slight right
1398 ft · 34 sec
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20
Keep slight left
37 m · 5 sec
-
21
Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast
1.3 mi · 2 min · 32nd Street Northeast
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22
Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast
56 m · 10 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
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23
Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast
54 m · 8 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
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24
Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast
130 m · 19 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Forest City and Cedar Rapids.
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
81.3 mi · 01h 34m
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 Forest City and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Cedar Rapids.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Forest City to Cedar Rapids?
The road trip is about 167.3 miles (269.2 km) and usually takes 02h 43m 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?
Plainfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.6 miles from Forest City and 83.6 miles from Cedar Rapids.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.3 miles (214.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 34 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 1:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.25 one way or $44.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Forest City and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Cedar Rapids.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Forest City and Cedar Rapids. Straight-line distance: 133.3 mi (214.53 km).
#1 Forest City
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 4,025 |
| Coordinates | 43.2624600, -93.6371600 |
| Altitude | 383 |
| 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: 269 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.25 | $44.50 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.09 | $50.19 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.46 | $54.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.29 | $62.59 |
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.