How far is Fort Dodge, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Fort Dodge, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 100.5 miles (161.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 93 miles (149.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 21m 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 40m.
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 Hardin 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 Fort Dodge and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Dodge and Waterloo.
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1
Start on 8th Avenue South
1.6 km · 2 min · 8th Avenue South
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto South 32nd Street
2798 ft · 1 min · South 32nd Street
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3
Continue on Paragon Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Paragon Avenue
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4
Continue on Mill Road
1.6 km · 2 min · Mill Road
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5
Continue on 220th Street
2515 ft · 50 sec · 220th Street
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6
Turn right onto Quail Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Quail Avenue
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7
Continue on Nelson Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · Nelson Avenue
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8
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
89.5 mi · 1 hr 44 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
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11
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
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12
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
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13
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
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14
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
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15
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
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16
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Dodge 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 20 East
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
89.5 mi · 01h 44m
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 Fort Dodge and Sunny near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Dodge to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 100.5 miles (161.7 km) and usually takes 01h 40m 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.9 miles from Fort Dodge and 50.6 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 93 miles (149.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.5 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 3:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.39 one way or $26.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Dodge and Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Dodge and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 92.98 mi (149.63 km).
#1 Fort Dodge
City in Iowa
| Population | 23,906 |
| Coordinates | 42.4974700, -94.1680200 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| 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: 162 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.39 | $26.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.10 | $30.20 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.52 | $33.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.83 | $37.66 |
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.