How far is Buffalo, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Buffalo, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 138.9 miles (223.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 13m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 109.7 miles (176.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 26m 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 13m.
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 Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Buffalo and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buffalo and Waterloo.
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1
Start on 2nd Street
11 m · 6 sec · 2nd Street
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2
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
114 m · 16 sec · Jefferson Street
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3
Turn left onto West Front Street
2.9 mi · 4 min · West Front Street
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4
Continue on Rockingham Road
2.2 mi · 3 min · Rockingham Road
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5
Take the ramp slight left
1881 ft · 47 sec
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6
Merge slight left
58 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
1850 ft · 45 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
3219 ft · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
70.8 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
2.9 mi · 5 min
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11
Continue on Washington Street
2296 ft · 1 min · Washington Street
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12
Turn left onto West 4th Street
121 m · 13 sec · West 4th Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Buffalo 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.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
70.8 mi · 01h 19m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Buffalo and Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Buffalo to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 138.9 miles (223.5 km) and usually takes 02h 13m 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?
North Liberty is a useful midpoint, sitting about 69.3 miles from Buffalo and 69.5 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 109.7 miles (176.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.2 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 2:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.48 one way or $36.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Buffalo and Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Stop Ideas Near North Liberty
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to North Liberty.
Mount Pleasant
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Moline, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Buffalo and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 109.76 mi (176.64 km).
#1 Buffalo
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,257 |
| Coordinates | 41.4564200, -90.7234700 |
| Altitude | 171 |
| 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: 224 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.48 | $36.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.84 | $41.68 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.80 | $45.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.99 | $51.98 |
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 · May 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.