How far is Fairfax, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Fairfax, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 63.4 miles (102 km), with a travel time of about 01h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49 miles (78.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 09m 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 04m.
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 Benton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fairfax and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfax and Waterloo.
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1
Start on Vanderbilt Street
135 m · 22 sec · Vanderbilt Street
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2
Turn right onto Church Street
765 ft · 36 sec · Church Street
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3
Turn right onto Williams Boulevard
2.7 mi · 4 min · Williams Boulevard
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Williams Boulevard
26 m · 2 sec · Williams Boulevard
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5
Exit the roundabout onto Williams Boulevard
1594 ft · 25 sec · Williams Boulevard
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6
Continue on Williams Blvd
1 mi · 1 min · Williams Blvd
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7
Continue on Williams Boulevard Southwest
2 mi · 4 min · Williams Boulevard Southwest
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8
Continue on 1st Avenue West
1.2 mi · 3 min · 1st Avenue West
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9
Turn left onto 3rd Street Southwest
17 m · 2 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
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10
Take the ramp slight right toward I 380 North, IA 27 North
1397 ft · 34 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
51.1 mi · 57 min · Avenue of the Saints
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12
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
2.9 mi · 5 min
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13
Continue on Washington Street
2296 ft · 1 min · Washington Street
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14
Turn left onto West 4th Street
121 m · 13 sec · West 4th Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairfax 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.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
51.1 mi · 00h 57m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Fairfax 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 Fairfax to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 63.4 miles (102 km) and usually takes 01h 04m 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?
Urbana is a useful midpoint, sitting about 31.1 miles from Fairfax and 32.2 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49 miles (78.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.4 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 4:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.45 one way or $16.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Fairfax and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fairfax and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 48.95 mi (78.78 km).
#1 Fairfax
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,934 |
| Coordinates | 41.9194500, -91.7810100 |
| Altitude | 236 |
| 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: 102 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.45 | $16.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.53 | $19.05 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.42 | $20.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.88 | $23.76 |
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.