How far is Alta, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Alta, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 168.2 miles (270.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 150.4 miles (242.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 23m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 41m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Webster County, Iowa, in the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alta and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alta and Waterloo.
-
1
Start on 60th Avenue
613 ft · 28 sec · 60th Avenue
-
2
Turn left onto Highway 7
3.3 mi · 5 min · Highway 7
-
3
Turn right onto 90th Avenue
1549 ft · 29 sec · 90th Avenue
-
4
Continue on State Highway 110
3 mi · 4 min · State Highway 110
-
5
Turn straight onto 85th Avenue
951 ft · 22 sec · 85th Avenue
-
6
Turn left onto 630th Street
2647 ft · 43 sec · 630th Street
-
7
Turn right onto 90th Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · 90th Avenue
-
8
Continue on Gard Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Gard Avenue
-
9
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
146.7 mi · 2 hr 49 min · 220th Street
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
-
11
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
-
12
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
-
13
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
-
14
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
-
15
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
-
16
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
-
17
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alta 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
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
147 mi · 02h 49m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Alta and Sunny near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alta to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 168.2 miles (270.7 km) and usually takes 02h 41m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Duncombe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.9 miles from Alta and 84.3 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 150.4 miles (242.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.8 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.40 one way or $44.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Alta and Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alta and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 150.46 mi (242.15 km).
#1 Alta
City in Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,916 |
| Coordinates | 42.6735900, -95.2905500 |
| Altitude | 454 |
| 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: 271 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.40 | $44.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.26 | $50.53 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.64 | $55.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.51 | $63.01 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.