How far is Cherokee, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Cherokee, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 186.8 miles (300.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 164.1 miles (264.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 59m 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 59m.
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 Wright County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
A saved road route is not available yet, so the map falls back to a straight-line overview.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cherokee and Waterloo.
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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 186.8 miles (300.7 km) and usually takes 02h 59m 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?
Eagle Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82 miles from Cherokee and 104.8 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 164.1 miles (264.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.7 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 12:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.85 one way or $49.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cherokee and Mostly Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cherokee and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 164.09 mi (264.08 km).
#1 Cherokee
Native American people indigenous to the Southeastern United States
| Population | 4,841 |
| Coordinates | 42.7494300, -95.5516700 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| 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: 301 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.85 | $49.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.03 | $56.05 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.67 | $61.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.95 | $69.91 |
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 10, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.