How far is Elkader, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Elkader, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 73.6 miles (118.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 37m 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 18m.
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.
Human settlement in Delaware County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Elkader and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elkader and Waterloo.
-
1
Start on South 1st Street
1177 ft · 20 sec · South 1st Street
-
2
Continue on Strawberry Point Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Strawberry Point Road
-
3
Turn right onto State Highway 13
13.1 mi · 18 min · State Highway 13
-
4
Continue on Elkader Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Elkader Street
-
5
Turn right onto West Mission Street
1.3 km · 1 min · West Mission Street
-
6
Continue on State Highway 3
2.9 mi · 4 min · State Highway 3
-
7
Continue on 40th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 40th Street
-
8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward C Avenue
64 m · 3 sec · C Avenue
-
9
Exit the roundabout onto C Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · C Avenue
-
10
Continue on Washburn Avenue
12.3 mi · 17 min · Washburn Avenue
-
11
Take the ramp right
1861 ft · 45 sec
-
12
Merge slight left
33.8 mi · 39 min
-
13
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
2.9 mi · 5 min
-
14
Continue on Washington Street
2296 ft · 1 min · Washington Street
-
15
Turn left onto West 4th Street
121 m · 13 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 Elkader 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.
Washburn Avenue
Merge slight left
33.8 mi · 00h 39m
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 Elkader and Sunny near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elkader to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 73.6 miles (118.4 km) and usually takes 01h 18m 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?
Masonville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36.7 miles from Elkader and 36.8 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.9 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 3:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.80 one way or $19.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Elkader and Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elkader and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 53.77 mi (86.53 km).
#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: 118 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.80 | $19.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.06 | $22.12 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.10 | $24.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.79 | $27.58 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.