How far is Grinnell, IA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance from Grinnell, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is about 74.8 miles (120.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 58.4 miles (94 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 45m 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 22m.
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
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 Rapids.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grinnell and Cedar Rapids.
-
1
Start on Park Street
21 m · 10 sec · Park Street
-
2
Turn left onto 4th Avenue
1329 ft · 38 sec · 4th Avenue
-
3
Turn left onto West Street
3.3 mi · 6 min · West Street
-
4
Continue on State Highway 146
115 m · 14 sec · State Highway 146
-
5
Turn left
1628 ft · 40 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
55.6 mi · 1 hr
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
2413 ft · 59 sec
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
1.3 km · 2 min
-
9
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
21.6 mi · 25 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward Glass Road, 32nd Street, Coldstream, 29th Street
1470 ft · 36 sec
-
11
Keep slight right
97 m · 9 sec
-
12
Turn straight onto 29th Street Northeast
1360 ft · 36 sec · 29th Street Northeast
-
13
Turn left onto Oakland Road Northeast
1324 ft · 29 sec · Oakland Road Northeast
-
14
Turn right onto 32nd Street Northeast
1.3 km · 1 min · 32nd Street Northeast
-
15
Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast
56 m · 10 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
-
16
Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast
54 m · 8 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
-
17
Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast
130 m · 19 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Grinnell 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.
State Highway 146
Merge slight left
55.6 mi · 01h 00m
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 Rapids.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Grinnell to Cedar Rapids?
The road trip is about 74.8 miles (120.4 km) and usually takes 01h 22m 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?
Williamsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 42 miles from Grinnell and 32.8 miles from Cedar Rapids.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 58.4 miles (94 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.4 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 3:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.96 one way or $19.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.5 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 Rapids.
Stop Ideas Near Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Grinnell and Cedar Rapids. Straight-line distance: 58.43 mi (94.03 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 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: 120 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.96 | $19.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.23 | $22.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.29 | $24.57 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.00 | $28.01 |
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.