How far is Spencer, IA from Cedar Falls, IA?
The driving distance from Spencer, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is about 192.9 miles (310.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 143.2 miles (230.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 18m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 09m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Webster 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 Spencer and Cedar Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spencer and Cedar Falls.
-
1
Start on East 4th Street
21 m · 9 sec · East 4th Street
-
2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
2631 ft · 2 min · Grand Avenue
-
3
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 39 sec · 4th Street Southwest
-
4
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 56 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
-
5
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2652 ft · 58 sec · 11th Street Southwest
-
6
Turn left onto 11th Avenue Southwest
1.5 mi · 2 min · 11th Avenue Southwest
-
7
Continue on 215th Avenue
13.4 mi · 18 min · 215th Avenue
-
8
Continue on 130th Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · 130th Avenue
-
9
Continue on County Highway 71
1.1 mi · 2 min · County Highway 71
-
10
Continue on 130th Avenue
27.8 mi · 38 min · 130th Avenue
-
11
Continue on US 71
1014 ft · 20 sec · US 71
-
12
Take the exit left toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
1841 ft · 51 sec
-
13
Merge slight left
135.5 mi · 2 hr 36 min
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
2133 ft · 1 min
-
15
Turn left onto Grundy Road
1.6 km · 1 min · Grundy Road
-
16
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi · 5 min · University Avenue
-
17
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward University Avenue
27 m · 2 sec · University Avenue
-
18
Exit the roundabout onto University Avenue
1.7 mi · 4 min · University Avenue
-
19
Turn left onto Main Street
1027 ft · 21 sec · Main Street
-
20
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
24 m · 2 sec · Main Street
-
21
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Main Street
-
22
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
23 m · 2 sec · Main Street
-
23
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
6 m · 1 sec · Main Street
-
24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Spencer 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
Merge slight left
135 mi · 02h 36m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Spencer 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 Spencer to Cedar Falls?
The road trip is about 192.9 miles (310.5 km) and usually takes 03h 09m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Moorland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 95.2 miles from Spencer and 97.7 miles from Cedar Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 143.2 miles (230.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 49.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:42 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.68 one way or $51.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 60.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Spencer and Sunny near Cedar Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Spencer and Cedar Falls. Straight-line distance: 143.16 mi (230.4 km).
#1 Spencer
City in the state of Iowa (United States)
| Population | 10,989 |
| Coordinates | 43.1413600, -95.1444400 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| 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: 311 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.68 | $51.36 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.96 | $57.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.69 | $63.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.12 | $72.24 |
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.