How far is Clarion, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Clarion, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 85.4 miles (137.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 72.6 miles (116.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 08m 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 34m.
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 Butler County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Patchy Fog
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clarion and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clarion and Waterloo.
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1
Start on Central Avenue West
1.4 km · 1 min · Central Avenue West
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2
Continue on 220th Street
4.8 mi · 7 min · 220th Street
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3
Turn straight
1.1 mi · 2 min
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4
Turn right onto 210th Street
6 mi · 8 min · 210th Street
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5
Continue on Balsam Avenue
5.1 mi · 7 min · Balsam Avenue
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6
Continue on State Highway 3
9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
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7
Continue on Central Avenue West
2.1 mi · 4 min · Central Avenue West
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8
Continue on State Highway 3
8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 3
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9
Continue on 210th Street
1.8 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
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10
Continue on South Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Street
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11
Continue on 210th Street
7.4 mi · 10 min · 210th Street
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12
Continue on State Highway 3
1 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
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13
Continue on 210th Street
8.8 mi · 12 min · 210th Street
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14
Continue on State Highway 3
3.4 mi · 5 min · State Highway 3
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15
Continue on 230th Street
1.7 mi · 2 min · 230th Street
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16
Take the ramp right
2320 ft · 57 sec
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17
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
15.3 mi · 18 min · Avenue of the Saints
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18
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 south: Waterloo
97 m · 8 sec
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19
Continue on US 218 south: Waterloo
1625 ft · 40 sec
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20
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
5.8 mi · 7 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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21
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
2120 ft · 52 sec
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22
Turn straight onto Washington Street
876 ft · 21 sec · Washington Street
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23
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Clarion and Waterloo.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
15.3 mi · 00h 18m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Clarion and Patchy Fog near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Clarion to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 85.4 miles (137.5 km) and usually takes 01h 34m 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?
Bristow is a useful midpoint, sitting about 42.7 miles from Clarion and 42.8 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 72.6 miles (116.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.8 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 3:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.35 one way or $22.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Clarion and Patchy Fog near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clarion and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 72.58 mi (116.81 km).
#1 Clarion
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,678 |
| Coordinates | 42.7316400, -93.7329900 |
| Altitude | 357 |
| 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: 137 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.35 | $22.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.80 | $25.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.01 | $28.02 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.97 | $31.93 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.