How far is Lake City, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Lake City, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 138.3 miles (222.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 123 miles (198 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 30m 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 15m.
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.
Township in Hamilton County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake City and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake City and Waterloo.
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1
Start on North Center Street
14 m · 7 sec · North Center Street
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2
Turn left onto East Main Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
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3
Continue on 360th Street
3 mi · 5 min · 360th Street
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4
Turn left onto Norridge Avenue
9 mi · 12 min · Norridge Avenue
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5
Turn right onto West High Street
1 mi · 2 min · West High Street
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6
Turn left onto North 1st Street
1.6 km · 2 min · North 1st Street
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7
Continue on Ogden Avenue
2.5 mi · 3 min · Ogden Avenue
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8
Turn right
115.5 mi · 2 hr 13 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 Lake City 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.
Longest stretch
Turn right
116 mi · 02h 13m
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 Rain And Snow Showers leaving Lake City and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake City to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 138.3 miles (222.6 km) and usually takes 02h 15m 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?
Blairsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 69.1 miles from Lake City and 69.2 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 123 miles (198 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.3 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 2:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.40 one way or $36.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Lake City and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake City and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 123.01 mi (197.97 km).
#1 Lake City
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,642 |
| Coordinates | 42.2674800, -94.7338700 |
| Altitude | 378 |
| 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: 223 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.40 | $36.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.75 | $41.51 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.71 | $45.42 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.88 | $51.77 |
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.