How far is Grinnell, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Grinnell, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 67.9 miles (109.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 55.3 miles (89 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 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 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.
City in Tama County, Iowa, United States
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 Grinnell and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grinnell and Waterloo.
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1
Start on Park Street
21 m · 7 sec · Park Street
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2
Turn right onto 4th Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · 4th Avenue
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3
Turn left onto Penrose Street
1056 ft · 40 sec · Penrose Street
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4
Turn right onto 6th Avenue
2927 ft · 53 sec · 6th Avenue
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5
Continue on 380th Avenue
5.5 mi · 8 min · 380th Avenue
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6
Turn left onto 100th Street
8 mi · 12 min · 100th Street
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7
Continue on J Avenue
6.3 mi · 9 min · J Avenue
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8
Continue on State Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · State Street
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9
Turn left onto West 13th Street
1334 ft · 25 sec · West 13th Street
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10
Turn right onto Harding Street
2225 ft · 38 sec · Harding Street
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11
Continue on South County Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · South County Road
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12
Continue on J Avenue
11.8 mi · 18 min · J Avenue
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13
At the end of the road, turn right
30.1 mi · 43 min
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14
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
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15
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
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16
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
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17
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
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18
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Grinnell and Waterloo.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Longest stretch
At the end of the road, turn right
30.1 mi · 00h 43m
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 Grinnell and Sunny near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Grinnell to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 67.9 miles (109.3 km) and usually takes 01h 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?
Garwin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 34 miles from Grinnell and 34 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 55.3 miles (89 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.6 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 3:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.05 one way or $18.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Grinnell and Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Grinnell and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 55.33 mi (89.05 km).
#1 Grinnell
City in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 9,096 |
| Coordinates | 41.7430500, -92.7224100 |
| Altitude | 309 |
| 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: 109 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.05 | $18.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.21 | $20.41 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.17 | $22.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.73 | $25.46 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.