How far is Altoona, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Altoona, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 102 miles (164.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 82.1 miles (132.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 39m 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 01h 49m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Grundy County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Altoona and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Altoona and Waterloo.
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1
Start on 1st Avenue South
1.6 km · 2 min · 1st Avenue South
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2
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 1st Avenue North
33 m · 2 sec · 1st Avenue North
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3
Exit the roundabout onto 1st Avenue North
3028 ft · 1 min · 1st Avenue North
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4
Continue on Northeast 72nd Street
767 ft · 15 sec · Northeast 72nd Street
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5
Continue on Grant Street South
1.3 mi · 2 min · Grant Street South
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6
Continue on Grant Street South
41 m · 8 sec · Grant Street South
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7
Turn right onto Northeast Hubbell Road
33.9 mi · 40 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
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8
Turn left onto Marsh Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Marsh Avenue
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9
Continue on South Main Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
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10
Continue on 160th Street
4.3 mi · 6 min · 160th Street
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11
Turn left onto Sanford Avenue
15.9 mi · 22 min · Sanford Avenue
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12
Turn right onto 240th Street
6.3 mi · 9 min · 240th Street
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13
Turn left onto M Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · M Avenue
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14
Continue on County Road T37
1 mi · 1 min · County Road T37
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15
Turn sharp right onto 210th Street
1.6 km · 1 min · 210th Street
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16
Turn left onto N Avenue
4.4 mi · 6 min · N Avenue
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17
Take the ramp right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2388 ft · 58 sec
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18
Merge slight left
18 mi · 21 min
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19
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
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20
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
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21
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
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22
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
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23
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
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24
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
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25
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
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26
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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27
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Altoona and Waterloo.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Northeast Hubbell Road
Turn right onto Northeast Hubbell Road
33.9 mi · 00h 40m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Altoona and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Altoona to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 102 miles (164.2 km) and usually takes 01h 49m 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?
Conrad is a useful midpoint, sitting about 51 miles from Altoona and 51.1 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 82.1 miles (132.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.9 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 2:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.58 one way or $27.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Altoona and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Altoona and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 82.15 mi (132.2 km).
#1 Altoona
City in Polk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 19,503 |
| Coordinates | 41.6441600, -93.4646600 |
| Altitude | 291 |
| 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: 164 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.58 | $27.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.31 | $30.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.75 | $33.51 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.09 | $38.19 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.