How far is Manchester, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Manchester, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 48.5 miles (78.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 45.2 miles (72.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 39m 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 00h 49m.
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 Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Manchester and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Manchester and Waterloo.
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1
Start on North Tama Street
18 m · 5 sec · North Tama Street
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2
Turn right onto East Main Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
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3
Turn left onto State Highway 13
1.2 mi · 2 min · State Highway 13
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4
Take the ramp right
1792 ft · 44 sec
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5
Merge slight left
42.3 mi · 49 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
2.9 mi · 5 min
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7
Continue on Washington Street
2296 ft · 1 min · Washington Street
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8
Turn left onto West 4th Street
121 m · 13 sec · West 4th Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Manchester 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.
State Highway 13
Merge slight left
42.3 mi · 00h 49m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Manchester 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 Manchester to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 48.5 miles (78.1 km) and usually takes 00h 49m 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?
Independence is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.2 miles from Manchester and 24.3 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 45.2 miles (72.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.3 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 4:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.45 one way or $12.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Manchester and Chance Rain Showers near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Manchester and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 45.22 mi (72.78 km).
#1 Manchester
City in Delaware County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,004 |
| Coordinates | 42.4841500, -91.4554300 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| 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: 78 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.45 | $12.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.27 | $14.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.96 | $15.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.07 | $18.14 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.