How far is Fort Dodge, IA from Cedar Falls, IA?
The driving distance from Fort Dodge, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is about 98.5 miles (158.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 87.7 miles (141.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 16m 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 38m.
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 Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Dodge and Cedar Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Dodge and Cedar Falls.
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1
Start on 8th Avenue South
1.6 km · 2 min · 8th Avenue South
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto South 32nd Street
2798 ft · 1 min · South 32nd Street
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3
Continue on Paragon Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Paragon Avenue
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4
Continue on Mill Road
1.6 km · 2 min · Mill Road
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5
Continue on 220th Street
2515 ft · 52 sec · 220th Street
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6
Turn right onto Quail Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Quail Avenue
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7
Continue on Nelson Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · Nelson Avenue
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8
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
82.7 mi · 1 hr 36 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
2133 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn left onto Grundy Road
1.6 km · 1 min · Grundy Road
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11
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi · 5 min · University Avenue
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward University Avenue
27 m · 2 sec · University Avenue
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13
Exit the roundabout onto University Avenue
1.7 mi · 4 min · University Avenue
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14
Turn left onto Main Street
1027 ft · 21 sec · Main Street
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
24 m · 2 sec · Main Street
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16
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Main Street
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17
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
23 m · 2 sec · Main Street
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18
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
6 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Dodge 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 20 East
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
82.7 mi · 01h 36m
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 Fort Dodge and Sunny near Cedar Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Dodge to Cedar Falls?
The road trip is about 98.5 miles (158.6 km) and usually takes 01h 38m 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.8 miles from Fort Dodge and 50.8 miles from Cedar Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 87.7 miles (141.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.8 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 3:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.12 one way or $26.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Dodge and Sunny near Cedar Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Dodge and Cedar Falls. Straight-line distance: 87.76 mi (141.23 km).
#1 Fort Dodge
City in Iowa
| Population | 23,906 |
| Coordinates | 42.4974700, -94.1680200 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| 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: 159 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.12 | $26.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.80 | $29.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.20 | $32.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.46 | $36.92 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.