How far is Forest City, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Forest City, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 114 miles (183.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 84.4 miles (135.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 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 01h 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 Floyd County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Forest City and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Forest City and Waterloo.
-
1
Start on South 4th Street
109 m · 18 sec · South 4th Street
-
2
Turn right onto East J Street
1114 ft · 28 sec · East J Street
-
3
Turn right
1.5 mi · 2 min
-
4
Turn left onto 330th Street
8 mi · 11 min · 330th Street
-
5
At the end of the road, turn right onto Balsam Avenue
2 mi · 4 min · Balsam Avenue
-
6
Turn left onto 310th Street
5 mi · 7 min · 310th Street
-
7
Continue on Grouse Avenue
1.5 km · 1 min · Grouse Avenue
-
8
Turn left onto 300th Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 300th Street
-
9
Take the ramp right
1929 ft · 47 sec
-
10
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
6.2 mi · 7 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
2212 ft · 27 sec
-
12
Turn slight right onto US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
81.3 mi · 1 hr 34 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 south: Waterloo
97 m · 8 sec
-
14
Continue on US 218 south: Waterloo
1625 ft · 40 sec
-
15
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
5.8 mi · 7 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
-
16
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
2120 ft · 52 sec
-
17
Turn straight onto Washington Street
876 ft · 21 sec · Washington Street
-
18
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
-
19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Forest City 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.
US 18 East
Turn slight right onto US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
81.3 mi · 01h 34m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Forest City and Mostly Cloudy near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Forest City to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 114 miles (183.4 km) and usually takes 01h 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?
Floyd is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57 miles from Forest City and 57 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 84.4 miles (135.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.6 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 2:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.16 one way or $30.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Forest City and Mostly Cloudy near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Forest City and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 84.39 mi (135.81 km).
#1 Forest City
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 4,025 |
| Coordinates | 43.2624600, -93.6371600 |
| Altitude | 383 |
| 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: 183 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.16 | $30.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.10 | $34.19 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.71 | $37.42 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.32 | $42.64 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.