How far is Akron, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Akron, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 245.6 miles (395.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 215.5 miles (346.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 55m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 57m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in and county seat of Calhoun County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Akron and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Akron and Waterloo.
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1
Start on North 2nd Street
16 m · 4 sec · North 2nd Street
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2
Turn right onto Reed Street
84 m · 14 sec · Reed Street
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3
Turn left onto State Highway 12
2285 ft · 59 sec · State Highway 12
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4
Continue on State Highway 3
4.7 mi · 7 min · State Highway 3
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5
Continue on State Highway 12
1418 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 12
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6
Continue on Portland Street
933 ft · 18 sec · Portland Street
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7
Continue on State Highway 12
15.5 mi · 21 min · State Highway 12
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8
Continue on Sioux River Road
2.8 mi · 4 min · Sioux River Road
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9
Turn right onto Riverside Boulevard
2.1 mi · 5 min · Riverside Boulevard
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10
Take the ramp left toward I 29 South
1669 ft · 41 sec
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11
Merge slight left
2.9 mi · 3 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2118 ft · 50 sec
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13
Turn left onto South Virginia Street
671 ft · 21 sec · South Virginia Street
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14
Turn right onto Gordon Drive
4.6 mi · 9 min · Gordon Drive
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15
Continue on Highway 20
39.4 mi · 47 min · Highway 20
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16
Continue on United States Highway 20
8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
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17
Continue on 220th Street
154.8 mi · 2 hr 59 min · 220th Street
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18
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
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19
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
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20
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
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21
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
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22
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
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23
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
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24
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
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25
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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26
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Akron and Waterloo.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
220th Street
Continue on 220th Street
155 mi · 02h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Akron and Mostly Sunny near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Akron to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 245.6 miles (395.2 km) and usually takes 03h 57m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Rockwell City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 120.8 miles from Akron and 124.8 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 215.5 miles (346.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.1 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:04 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.66 one way or $65.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Akron and Mostly Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Akron and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 215.47 mi (346.77 km).
#1 Akron
City in Plymouth County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,454 |
| Coordinates | 42.8288800, -96.5594800 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Waterloo
The most populous city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,292 |
| Coordinates | 42.4927600, -92.3429600 |
| Altitude | 261 |
| Country | United States |
End: West 4th Street (-92.342752, 42.492625)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 395 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.66 | $65.31 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.83 | $73.66 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $40.30 | $80.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $45.93 | $91.87 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 26, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.