Des Moines to Cedar Rapids: 2.5 Hours, 150 Miles on I-380

The drive from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids covers ~150 miles (240 km) via I-380 North (connecting from I-80).

Route Details

• Time: 2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 45 min (typical: 2 hr 30 min)
• Traffic: Light outside rush hours. I-80/I-380 interchange (Des Moines) and Cedar Rapids approaches can slow.
• Stops: Iowa 80 Truckstop (Walcott, ~1 hr north) – world's largest. Rest areas at mile markers 66, 104.
• Scenery: Rolling corn/soybean fields, wind farms, Cedar River valley approach.

Alternatives

US-30 (Lincoln Highway): slower, scenic, historic. US-218: similar to I-380 but with signals.

No commercial flights—distance too short. Amtrak: none direct (Chicago connection required).