How far is Storm Lake, IA from Cedar Falls, IA?
The driving distance from Storm Lake, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is about 159.9 miles (257.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 06m 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 33m.
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Patchy Fog
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Storm Lake and Cedar Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Storm Lake and Cedar Falls.
-
1
Start on Grand Avenue
942 ft · 40 sec · Grand Avenue
-
2
Continue on West Lakeshore Drive
3.1 mi · 7 min · West Lakeshore Drive
-
3
Continue on 130th Avenue
10.9 mi · 15 min · 130th Avenue
-
4
Continue on US 71
1014 ft · 20 sec · US 71
-
5
Take the exit left toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
1841 ft · 51 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
135.5 mi · 2 hr 36 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
2133 ft · 1 min
-
8
Turn left onto Grundy Road
1.6 km · 1 min · Grundy Road
-
9
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi · 5 min · University Avenue
-
10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward University Avenue
27 m · 2 sec · University Avenue
-
11
Exit the roundabout onto University Avenue
1.7 mi · 4 min · University Avenue
-
12
Turn left onto Main Street
1027 ft · 21 sec · Main Street
-
13
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
24 m · 2 sec · Main Street
-
14
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Main Street
-
15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
23 m · 2 sec · Main Street
-
16
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
6 m · 1 sec · Main Street
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Storm Lake 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 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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Storm Lake and Patchy Fog near Cedar Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Storm Lake to Cedar Falls?
The road trip is about 159.9 miles (257.4 km) and usually takes 02h 33m 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?
Webster City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.8 miles from Storm Lake and 81.2 miles from Cedar Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 19 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 1:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.31 one way or $42.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Storm Lake and Patchy Fog near Cedar Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Storm Lake and Cedar Falls. Straight-line distance: 140.83 mi (226.65 km).
#1 Storm Lake
City in Iowa
| Population | 10,438 |
| Coordinates | 42.6410900, -95.2097200 |
| Altitude | 433 |
| 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: 257 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.31 | $42.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.03 | $48.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.30 | $52.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.97 | $59.94 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.