How far is Grinnell, IA from Cedar Falls, IA?
The driving distance from Grinnell, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is about 69.3 miles (111.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 56 miles (90.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 47m 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 23m.
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 Tama County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Grinnell and Cedar Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grinnell and Cedar Falls.
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1
Start on Park Street
21 m · 7 sec · Park Street
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2
Turn right onto 4th Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · 4th Avenue
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3
Turn left onto Penrose Street
1056 ft · 40 sec · Penrose Street
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4
Turn right onto 6th Avenue
2927 ft · 53 sec · 6th Avenue
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5
Continue on 380th Avenue
5.5 mi · 8 min · 380th Avenue
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6
Turn left onto 100th Street
8 mi · 12 min · 100th Street
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7
Continue on J Avenue
6.3 mi · 9 min · J Avenue
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8
Continue on State Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · State Street
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9
Turn left onto West 13th Street
1334 ft · 25 sec · West 13th Street
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10
Turn right onto Harding Street
2225 ft · 38 sec · Harding Street
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11
Continue on South County Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · South County Road
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12
Continue on J Avenue
11.8 mi · 18 min · J Avenue
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13
At the end of the road, turn right
21.2 mi · 30 min
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14
Turn left onto South Hudson Road
7.3 mi · 11 min · South Hudson Road
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15
Turn right onto Greenhill Road
1 km · 1 min · Greenhill Road
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16
Turn left onto Avenue of the Saints
1.5 mi · 2 min · Avenue of the Saints
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17
Take the exit slight right toward 18th Street, Waterloo Road
1305 ft · 32 sec
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18
Continue on Waterloo Road
909 ft · 28 sec
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19
Turn left onto Waterloo Road
2180 ft · 46 sec · Waterloo Road
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20
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Main Street
5 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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21
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
6 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Grinnell and Cedar Falls.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Longest stretch
At the end of the road, turn right
21.2 mi · 00h 30m
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 Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Grinnell and Partly Sunny then 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 Grinnell to Cedar Falls?
The road trip is about 69.3 miles (111.5 km) and usually takes 01h 23m 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?
Garwin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 34.3 miles from Grinnell and 34.9 miles from Cedar Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 56 miles (90.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.3 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 3:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.20 one way or $18.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Grinnell and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cedar Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Grinnell and Cedar Falls. Straight-line distance: 56.04 mi (90.19 km).
#1 Grinnell
City in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 9,096 |
| Coordinates | 41.7430500, -92.7224100 |
| Altitude | 309 |
| 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: 111 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.20 | $18.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.38 | $20.75 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.36 | $22.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.94 | $25.88 |
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.