How far is Laurens, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Laurens, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 158.1 miles (254.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 129.8 miles (208.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 11m 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 35m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Laurens and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Laurens and Waterloo.
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1
Start on West Main Street
38 m · 8 sec · West Main Street
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2
Turn right onto South 3rd Street
1402 ft · 39 sec · South 3rd Street
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3
Turn left onto State Highway 10
1.4 km · 1 min · State Highway 10
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4
Continue on 450th Street
6.1 mi · 8 min · 450th Street
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5
Continue on Cummins Road
2 mi · 3 min · Cummins Road
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6
At the end of the road, turn right onto 220th Avenue
5.5 mi · 7 min · 220th Avenue
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7
Continue on Northwest 7th Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 7th Street
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8
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · 220th Avenue
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9
Continue on Marengo Avenue
2317 ft · 39 sec · Marengo Avenue
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10
Continue on North East Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North East Street
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11
Continue on Marengo Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Marengo Avenue
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Marshall Avenue
2.3 mi · 3 min · Marshall Avenue
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13
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
1749 ft · 48 sec
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14
Merge slight left
117.2 mi · 2 hr 15 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
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16
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
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17
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
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18
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
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19
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
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20
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
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21
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
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22
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Laurens 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 20 East
Merge slight left
117 mi · 02h 15m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Laurens and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight 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 Laurens to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 158.1 miles (254.4 km) and usually takes 02h 35m 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?
Webster City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79 miles from Laurens and 79.1 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 129.8 miles (208.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.3 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 1:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.04 one way or $42.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Laurens and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Laurens and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 129.78 mi (208.86 km).
#1 Laurens
City in Pocahontas County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,126 |
| Coordinates | 42.8466400, -94.8519300 |
| Altitude | 399 |
| 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: 254 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.04 | $42.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.73 | $47.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.97 | $51.94 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.60 | $59.19 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.