How far is Ida Grove, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Ida Grove, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 174.4 miles (280.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 159.9 miles (257.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 33m 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 46m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, in the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ida Grove and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ida Grove and Waterloo.
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1
Start on 2nd Street
34 m · 8 sec · 2nd Street
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2
Turn left onto Main Street
80 m · 5 sec · Main Street
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3
Continue on Moorehead Avenue
2994 ft · 1 min · Moorehead Avenue
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4
Turn straight onto North Main Street
1584 ft · 1 min · North Main Street
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5
At the end of the road, turn left onto Keystone Avenue
1198 ft · 29 sec · Keystone Avenue
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6
Turn right onto 240th Street
2 mi · 4 min · 240th Street
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7
Turn left onto Market Avenue
8.2 mi · 11 min · Market Avenue
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8
Turn right onto 160th Street
1.7 mi · 2 min · 160th Street
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9
Continue on 220th Street
154.8 mi · 2 hr 59 min · 220th Street
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
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11
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
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12
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
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13
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
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14
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
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15
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
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16
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
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17
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ida Grove 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.
220th Street
Continue on 220th Street
155 mi · 02h 59m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Ida Grove and 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 Ida Grove to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 174.4 miles (280.7 km) and usually takes 02h 46m 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?
Duncombe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.2 miles from Ida Grove and 88.1 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 159.9 miles (257.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.5 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 12:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.23 one way or $46.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ida Grove and Chance Rain Showers near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ida Grove and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 159.9 mi (257.34 km).
#1 Ida Grove
City in Ida County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,037 |
| Coordinates | 42.3449900, -95.4716700 |
| Altitude | 376 |
| 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: 281 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.23 | $46.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.20 | $52.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.67 | $57.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.67 | $65.35 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.