How far is Denison, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Denison, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 188.6 miles (303.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 157.5 miles (253.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 07m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 03m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Human settlement in Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Denison and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Denison and Waterloo.
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1
Start on North Main Street
10 m · 7 sec · North Main Street
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2
Turn left onto 1st Avenue North
75 m · 11 sec · 1st Avenue North
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3
Turn right onto Avenue C
1.1 km · 2 min · Avenue C
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4
Turn right onto State Highway 39
16.9 mi · 23 min · State Highway 39
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5
Continue on 400th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 400th Street
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6
Continue on Fox Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Fox Avenue
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7
Continue on South Des Moines Street
2648 ft · 1 min · South Des Moines Street
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8
Continue on Fox Avenue
11.3 mi · 16 min · Fox Avenue
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9
Turn right onto 220th Street
147.5 mi · 2 hr 50 min · 220th Street
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
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11
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
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12
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
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13
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
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14
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
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15
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
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16
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
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17
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Denison 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.
220th Street
Turn right onto 220th Street
148 mi · 02h 50m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Denison and 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 Denison to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 188.6 miles (303.5 km) and usually takes 03h 03m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Otho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94.2 miles from Denison and 94.4 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 157.5 miles (253.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:52 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.08 one way or $50.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Denison and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Denison and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 157.5 mi (253.47 km).
#1 Denison
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 8,249 |
| Coordinates | 42.0177700, -95.3552800 |
| Altitude | 391 |
| 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: 303 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.08 | $50.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.28 | $56.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.95 | $61.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.27 | $70.54 |
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.