How far is Fairfield, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Fairfield, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 149.3 miles (240.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.4 miles (168 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 43m 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 21m.
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 Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fairfield and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield and Waterloo.
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1
Start on East Briggs Avenue
126 m · 22 sec · East Briggs Avenue
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2
Turn right onto North B Street
719 ft · 25 sec · North B Street
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3
Turn left onto East Burlington Avenue
2.6 mi · 5 min · East Burlington Avenue
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4
Take the ramp left toward US 34, IA 163 East: Burlington
2081 ft · 51 sec
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5
Merge slight left
19.6 mi · 23 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
2097 ft · 1 min
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7
Turn left onto Old US Highway 218
1.1 mi · 1 min · Old US Highway 218
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
121.4 mi · 2 hr 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
2.9 mi · 5 min
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10
Continue on Washington Street
2296 ft · 1 min · Washington Street
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11
Turn left onto West 4th Street
121 m · 13 sec · West 4th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairfield 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
121 mi · 02h 17m
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 Fairfield and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fairfield to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 149.3 miles (240.3 km) and usually takes 02h 21m 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?
Tiffin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 74.6 miles from Fairfield and 74.8 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.4 miles (168 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.9 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 1:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.87 one way or $39.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fairfield and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Waterloo.
Stop Ideas Near Tiffin
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tiffin.
Mount Pleasant
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Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fairfield and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 104.4 mi (168.02 km).
#1 Fairfield
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,500 |
| Coordinates | 41.0086300, -91.9626700 |
| 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: 240 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.87 | $39.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.41 | $44.83 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.53 | $49.05 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.95 | $55.90 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.