How far is Des Moines, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 112.3 miles (180.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 89.5 miles (144.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 04m 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 02m.
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 Marshall County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Waterloo.
-
1
Start on East University Avenue
147 m · 39 sec · East University Avenue
-
2
Turn uturn onto East University Avenue
2836 ft · 1 min · East University Avenue
-
3
Turn right onto East 14th Street
1908 ft · 58 sec · East 14th Street
-
4
Take the ramp left toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet
1.3 km · 1 min
-
5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
1476 ft · 36 sec
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1628 ft · 40 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
2428 ft · 1 min
-
10
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
-
11
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
35.2 mi · 42 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
-
12
Turn left onto Marsh Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Marsh Avenue
-
13
Continue on South Main Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
-
14
Continue on 160th Street
4.3 mi · 6 min · 160th Street
-
15
Turn left onto Sanford Avenue
15.9 mi · 22 min · Sanford Avenue
-
16
Turn right onto 240th Street
6.3 mi · 9 min · 240th Street
-
17
Turn left onto M Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · M Avenue
-
18
Continue on County Road T37
1 mi · 1 min · County Road T37
-
19
Turn sharp right onto 210th Street
1.6 km · 1 min · 210th Street
-
20
Turn left onto N Avenue
4.4 mi · 6 min · N Avenue
-
21
Take the ramp right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2388 ft · 58 sec
-
22
Merge slight left
18 mi · 21 min
-
23
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
-
24
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
-
25
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
-
26
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
-
27
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
-
28
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
-
29
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
-
30
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
-
31
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Waterloo.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Northeast Hubbell Road
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
35.2 mi · 00h 42m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 112.3 miles (180.7 km) and usually takes 02h 02m 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?
Albion is a useful midpoint, sitting about 55.6 miles from Des Moines and 56.7 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 89.5 miles (144.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.8 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 2:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.93 one way or $29.87 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Des Moines and Mostly Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 89.56 mi (144.13 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| 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: 181 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.93 | $29.87 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.84 | $33.68 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.43 | $36.86 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.00 | $42.01 |
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 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.