How far is Grundy Center, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Grundy Center, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 30.4 miles (49 km), with a travel time of about 00h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 23.5 miles (37.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 07m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 33m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Grundy Center and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grundy Center and Waterloo.
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1
Start on G Avenue
20 m · 6 sec · G Avenue
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2
Turn left onto 4th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 4th Street
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3
Continue on N Avenue
6.2 mi · 8 min · N Avenue
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4
Take the ramp right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2388 ft · 58 sec
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5
Merge slight left
18 mi · 21 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
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7
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
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8
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
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9
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
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10
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
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11
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
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12
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
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13
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Grundy Center 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.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
18 mi · 00h 21m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Grundy Center and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Grundy Center to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 30.4 miles (49 km) and usually takes 00h 33m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Dike is a useful midpoint, sitting about 15.2 miles from Grundy Center and 15.2 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 23.5 miles (37.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.07 one way or $8.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Grundy Center and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Grundy Center and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 23.52 mi (37.85 km).
#1 Grundy Center
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,670 |
| Coordinates | 42.3616500, -92.7685300 |
| Altitude | 312 |
| 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: 49 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.07 | $8.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.59 | $9.19 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.03 | $10.05 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.73 | $11.46 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.