How far is Charles City, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Charles City, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 50.5 miles (81.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 43 miles (69.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 38m 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 00h 49m.
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 Bremer County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Charles City and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charles City and Waterloo.
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1
Start on 4th Avenue
9 m · 3 sec · 4th Avenue
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2
Continue on Brantingham Street
1847 ft · 1 min · Brantingham Street
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3
Turn left onto Gilbert Street
117 m · 11 sec · Gilbert Street
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4
Continue on South Grand Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · South Grand Avenue
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5
Continue on Shadow Avenue
1.5 km · 1 min · Shadow Avenue
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6
Take the ramp left
1705 ft · 42 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
41.2 mi · 48 min · Avenue of the Saints
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 south: Waterloo
97 m · 8 sec
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9
Continue on US 218 south: Waterloo
1625 ft · 40 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
5.8 mi · 7 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
2120 ft · 52 sec
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12
Turn straight onto Washington Street
876 ft · 21 sec · Washington Street
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13
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Charles City and Waterloo.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
41.2 mi · 00h 48m
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 Charles City and Partly Sunny then 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 Charles City to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 50.5 miles (81.3 km) and usually takes 00h 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?
Waverly is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.2 miles from Charles City and 25.3 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 43 miles (69.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.5 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 4:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.71 one way or $13.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Charles City and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Charles City and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 43.01 mi (69.22 km).
#1 Charles City
City in Iowa
| Population | 7,307 |
| Coordinates | 43.0663600, -92.6724100 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| 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: 81 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.71 | $13.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.57 | $15.14 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.28 | $16.57 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.44 | $18.88 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.