From the Midwest to the East Coast: Driving from Cedar Rapids, IA to North Babylon, NY

Are you planning a trip from the Midwest to the East Coast? If you're driving from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to North Babylon, New York, we got you covered! Here's a breakdown of the different routes and travel times so you can make an informed decision on what works best for you.

The Direct Route: I-80 East

If you're looking for the most direct route, I-80 East is your best bet. This route covers 1,050 miles and will take you approximately 16 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through cities like Chicago and Cleveland, where you can take a break and explore some of the local sights and sounds.

The Scenic Route: I-90 East

If you're in the mood for a scenic drive, take I-90 East instead. This route covers 1,200 miles and will take you approximately 19 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through cities like Madison and Buffalo, and have the opportunity to see some beautiful sights like Niagara Falls. Make sure to give yourself extra time for photo ops and pit stops along the way.

The Southern Route: I-70 East and I-68 East

Prefer to avoid potentially snowy winter weather that can come with the I-80 and I-90 routes? Taking the I-70 East and I-68 East route will allow you to travel south and go around the Great Lakes, avoiding much of the wintry weather. This route will cover 1,230 miles and take around 19 hours, but the views of the Appalachian Mountains will make it worth it. Along the way, stop by Pittsburgh to explore some landmarks, or treat yourself to some authentic Pittsburgh cuisine.

The Northern Route: I-94 East

Looking for a route that takes you through the heartland of America? Take I-94 East. This route covers 1,200 miles and will take approximately 18 hours. Along the way, you can pass through cities like Milwaukee and Detroit. We highly recommend making a pit stop in Detroit to explore the Detroit Institute of Arts - one of the largest and most significant art collections in America.

Getting There

Regardless of which route you choose, make sure to give yourself ample time to complete the journey. We recommend breaking up the drive into multiple days with at least one overnight stop. Some great options for overnight stays include Cleveland, Buffalo or Washington, D.C.

Don't forget to pack snacks and drinks for the trip and make sure to stop regularly to stretch and stay alert. With the right planning and mindset, this can be an enjoyable and memorable road trip across America.