Cedar Falls to Chicago: Road Trip Guide & Distance

250.5 miles 403.1 km · straight line
278.1 miles actual route 447.6 km · driving distance
5h 51min estimated drive time
$27 - $33 estimated fuel cost
~1h 0min flight time
99° E bearing direction

How far is Cedar Falls from Chicago?

The distance from Cedar Falls to Chicago is 250.5 miles (403.1 km) as the crow flies. Chicago is located E of Cedar Falls. By car, the driving distance is approximately 278.1 miles, taking about 5h 51min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 0min. Both are located in United States — Cedar Falls in Iowa and Chicago in Illinois.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Cedar Falls and Chicago. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Cedar Falls to Chicago

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 5h 51min $27 - $33 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 0min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~7h 1min $22–$42* Budget
Train ~5h 33min $33–$97* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Cedar Falls & Chicago

Quick Facts

Cedar Falls
42.53°N, 92.45°W
America/Chicago
268m elevation
Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Explore more routes from Chicago

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 84 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 21 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 99.4 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM