Road Trip from Cedar Rapids to Bluffton: Travel Time and Route Options

Are you planning to hit the road and take a fun road trip from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Bluffton, Indiana? While there are a few different ways you could reach your final destination, the distance and travel times can vary significantly depending on the route you choose. In this article, we'll explore some of the different options and provide some recommendations for places to stop along the way.

The Distance and Driving Time

First things first - let's talk about the basic distance and driving time you can expect. The direct route between Cedar Rapids and Bluffton is about 400 miles, which should take you around 6-7 hours depending on traffic and any stops you make along the way.

Taking the I-80 and I-74 Route

One option for your road trip would be to head east on I-80 towards Chicago and then take I-74 south into Indiana towards Indianapolis. This route will take you through some beautiful parts of the Midwest, including the rolling hills of Illinois and the lush farmland of Indiana.

Overall, this route is about 420 miles and should take you around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic. If you're looking for some interesting places to stop along the way, consider checking out the John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Illinois, or the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in Jasper, Indiana.

Taking the I-88 and the I-69 Route

Another option would be to head east on I-88 towards Sterling and then take I-39 south towards Bloomington. From there, you'll take I-74 east towards Indianapolis and then switch to I-69 to head north towards Bluffton. This route may take a little longer than the previous one, but it'll take you through some scenic parts of Illinois and Indiana, including the Amish countryside around Shipshewana.

Overall, this route is just over 400 miles and should take you around 8-9 hours, depending on traffic and stops. If you're looking for some great places to stop along the way, consider checking out the historic Lincoln Highway in Illinois or grabbing some delicious pie at the Blue Gate Restaurant in Shipshewana.

Taking the I-380 and the I-74 Route

For a more direct route, consider taking I-380 south towards Iowa City and then jumping on I-74 east towards Indianapolis. This option will take you through some of the smaller towns in Illinois and Indiana, but it should be a relatively straightforward route with plenty of places to stop for gas and snacks.

Overall, this route is about 400 miles and should take you around 6-7 hours, depending on traffic and any stops you make along the way. If you're looking for some interesting places to stop, consider checking out the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa, or the Horseshoe Hammond Casino in Hammond, Indiana.

Final Thoughts

No matter which route you choose for your road trip from Cedar Rapids to Bluffton, there are plenty of great things to see and do along the way. Whether you're interested in historic sites, natural beauty, or just some good food and fun, there's something for everyone on this epic drive. Be sure to plan your route ahead of time and take plenty of breaks along the way to make the most of your journey!