How far is Eldora, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Eldora, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 46.8 miles (75.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.6 miles (63.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 42m 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 51m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Eldora and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eldora and Waterloo.
-
1
Start on Washington Street
21 m · 9 sec · Washington Street
-
2
Turn left onto Edgington Avenue
1 mi · 3 min · Edgington Avenue
-
3
Turn left onto County Road S56
3.5 mi · 6 min · County Road S56
-
4
Continue on South 1st Street
2668 ft · 53 sec · South 1st Street
-
5
Continue on County Highway S56
3.3 mi · 6 min · County Highway S56
-
6
Take the ramp left
1554 ft · 38 sec
-
7
Merge slight left
33 mi · 38 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
-
9
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
-
10
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
-
11
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
-
12
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
-
13
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
-
14
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
-
15
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Eldora and Waterloo.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
County Highway S56
Merge slight left
33 mi · 00h 38m
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 Eldora and Sunny near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Eldora to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 46.8 miles (75.3 km) and usually takes 00h 51m 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?
Holland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.4 miles from Eldora and 23.4 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.6 miles (63.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.2 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 4:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.22 one way or $12.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Eldora and Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Eldora and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 39.66 mi (63.82 km).
#1 Eldora
City in Hardin County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,571 |
| Coordinates | 42.3608200, -93.0996500 |
| Altitude | 331 |
| 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: 75 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.22 | $12.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.02 | $14.03 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.68 | $15.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.75 | $17.50 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.