The Eastern Iowa Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

The Eastern Iowa Airport serves Cedar Rapids from the south side of the city, about 15-20 minutes by car from downtown: a distance that almost everyone in Cedar Rapids covers by rental car, because public transport to the terminal is scarce. Business travelers find it convenient to stay in that same southern area, with simple hotels and shuttles to the terminal. Those who instead need to move between the Collins Aerospace offices north of the city or visit downtown, with its art museum and the Paramount Theatre district, do better choosing one of those two areas, accepting the drive to the airport.

Airport area, south Cedar Rapids

Airport area · 2-8 km from the terminal; hotels in the area offer a free shuttle on request during daytime hours.

Best for: Travelers arriving or departing at inconvenient hours who want the shortest possible trip from the terminal.

Pros

A few minutes by car or shuttle from the terminal, handy for early morning flights
More choice of price than elsewhere in the city, from budget hotels to suites

Cons

An area of interchanges and warehouses, little to do on foot in the evening
The shuttle isn't always running round-the-clock: check the schedule at check-in

Recommended hotels in this area

Avid Hotel Cedar Rapids South - Arpt Area: Less than 3 km from the terminal, with a free shuttle on request from 5:00 to 23:00 and recently renovated rooms.
Hampton Inn Cedar Rapids: In the same southern area, a few minutes from the terminal, with rooms and breakfast rated solid in reviews.

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Downtown, Cedar Rapids

City centre · About 15-20 minutes by car or taxi from the terminal, on a direct road with no convenient public transport alternative.

Best for: Those visiting downtown, the art museum, or attending an event at the convention center.

Pros

Connected to the convention center and two blocks from the art museum and the Paramount Theatre
The only real base for exploring downtown on foot

Cons

A car is always needed for the airport: no direct public shuttle
Hotel choice is more limited than in the airport area

Recommended hotels in this area

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex: Connected to the convention center, two blocks from the art museum and the Paramount Theatre in the heart of downtown.

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North Cedar Rapids, Collins Aerospace area

Neighbourhood · About 10 minutes from downtown via I-380; from the airport the drive is longer, around 25-30 minutes.

Best for: Those with meetings at corporate offices north of the city, particularly near Collins Aerospace.

Pros

A few minutes from the Collins Aerospace offices and from Noelridge Park
Rooms with a kitchen, convenient for multi-night stays

Cons

The farthest point from the airport among the areas in this guide
Residential/commercial area, little evening life on foot

Recommended hotels in this area

Residence Inn by Marriott Cedar Rapids: A few minutes from the Collins Aerospace offices, with an in-room kitchen for those staying several nights for work.

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