Driving from Cedar Falls to Cincinnati: How Long Does it Take?

If you're planning a trip from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Cincinnati, Ohio, you're likely wondering how long the drive will take. Well, it all depends on the route you choose and the time of day you travel. Let's take a look at the fastest and slowest routes, along with the distance and time it takes to get to your destination.

The Fastest Route:

The quickest route to Cincinnati is via I-74 E and I-55 S. This route takes you through Illinois and Indiana before entering Ohio and will cover approximately 499 miles in total. At low traffic times, you can complete this drive in just under 7 hours. However, at peak traffic times, you may be looking at up to 9 hours on the road.

The Fastest Crossing the River:

If you're hoping to cross the Mississippi River at Muscatine, Iowa, and avoid Illinois highways entirely, you can try the route connecting IA-38 E and US-52 E. This is the fastest route that crosses the Mississippi while keeping the grand total of driving time under 9 hours, with low traffic times taking around 7.5 hours.

The Slowest Route:

If you prefer to take the scenic route through Missouri, you can drive through Iowa and Missouri before changing onto US-50 E in Missouri. This will take you all the way to Cincinnati in a journey covering around 673 miles, and at low traffic times this can be completed in 11.5 hours. But, during peak travel times, you may need to budget for up to 14 hours for the entire trip.

The Shortest Route:

If you want to quickly get to Cincinnati, but do not wish to take the fastest option, you can attempt the scenario via US-69 S and US-65 S roads. This route is shorter than the previously listed fast ones at 497 miles. The route takes an estimated 8 hours to cover.

What About Traffic?

Traffic can be the bane of any road traveler, so it's sensible to prepare for the worst. Rush hour is usually worse in the cities that border Illinois, so the fastest route has the highest probability for disruptions. If you're obliged to depart the fastest route during large traffic times, it is wise to time it to avoid crowded areas.

In summary, the quickest route to Cincinnati from Cedar Falls is through Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana on I-74 E and I-55 S. The Muscatine crossover route is typically the quickest for crossing the Mississippi River. The most leisurely path is the scenic route through Missouri, covering over 673 miles. The shortest way you can take to drive to Cincinnati is via US-69 S and US-65 S. Take all this into account, and be sure to schedule your trip at the time that suits you to avoid rush-hour traffic and inconvenience.