How far is Lake Mills, IA from Waterloo, IA?
Fastest route
The route from Lake Mills, Iowa to Waterloo, Iowa takes you through various highways and roads, covering a distance of approximately 79 miles.
Directions
To get from Lake Mills, Iowa to Waterloo, Iowa, follow these directions:
- Head east on E Main St toward S Grant St.
- Turn right onto 225th Ave/S Winnebago St and continue to follow 225th Ave.
- Turn right to merge onto I-35 S toward IA-27 S.
- Follow I-35 S, IA-27 S/US-18 E, and US-218 S to Washington St in Waterloo.
- Take exit 180 from US-218 S.
- Take exit 190 for US-18 E/IA-27 S toward Mason City/Charles City.
- Continue onto IA-27 S/US-18 E and then onto IA-27 S/US-218 S.
- Take the US-218 S exit toward Waterloo/Airport.
- Take exit 180 toward Downtown Riverfront/Sullivan Brothers/Convention Ctr.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to have your vehicle fueled up before starting the journey.
- 🗺️ Use a navigation system or GPS for accurate directions.
- 🚦 Observe traffic rules and signs along the way.
- ⚠️ Be cautious of changing weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly.
- 📱 Keep your phone charged in case you need to make emergency calls or use navigation apps.
- 🍴 Consider packing snacks or planning meal stops along the way.
- ⛽ Check for gas stations on your route to avoid running out of fuel.
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 55m.
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 Floyd County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Mills and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Mills and Waterloo.
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1
Start on West Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · West Main Street
-
2
Continue on County Highway 105
1 mi · 2 min · County Highway 105
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3
Continue on County Road 105
1.5 mi · 3 min · County Road 105
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4
Turn right onto Bluebill Avenue
3.7 mi · 5 min · Bluebill Avenue
-
5
Continue on North Western Street
1 mi · 2 min · North Western Street
-
6
Turn left onto 410th Street
5.4 mi · 9 min · 410th Street
-
7
Take the ramp right toward Blanco River
1709 ft · 42 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
17.3 mi · 18 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
2212 ft · 27 sec
-
10
Turn slight right onto US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
81.3 mi · 1 hr 34 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 south: Waterloo
97 m · 8 sec
-
12
Continue on US 218 south: Waterloo
1625 ft · 40 sec
-
13
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
5.8 mi · 7 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
2120 ft · 52 sec
-
15
Turn straight onto Washington Street
876 ft · 21 sec · Washington Street
-
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 Mills 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 18 East
Turn slight right onto US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
81.3 mi · 01h 34m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Lake Mills 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 Lake Mills to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 119.3 miles (192 km) and usually takes 01h 55m 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?
Floyd is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.7 miles from Lake Mills and 59.7 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 87.9 miles (141.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.4 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 2:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.88 one way or $31.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Lake Mills and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Mills and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 87.87 mi (141.42 km).
#1 Lake Mills
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,987 |
| Coordinates | 43.4194000, -93.5332700 |
| Altitude | 393 |
| 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: 192 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.88 | $31.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.91 | $35.81 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.59 | $39.19 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.33 | $44.66 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.