How far is Mediapolis, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Mediapolis, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 143.4 miles (230.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 119.2 miles (191.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 42m 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 21m.
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 Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mediapolis and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mediapolis and Waterloo.
-
1
Start on North Orchard Street
22 m · 5 sec · North Orchard Street
-
2
Turn right onto Main Street
1946 ft · 39 sec · Main Street
-
3
Turn straight onto Mediapolis Road
955 ft · 21 sec · Mediapolis Road
-
4
Take the ramp right toward US 61 north: Muscatine
1543 ft · 42 sec
-
5
Merge slight left onto US Highway 61
12.4 mi · 14 min · US Highway 61
-
6
Continue on North Baxter Street
6.1 mi · 7 min · North Baxter Street
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward IA 92 west, CR G48 east: Grandview, Columbus Junction
1592 ft · 46 sec
-
8
Turn left onto State Highway 92
8.3 mi · 12 min · State Highway 92
-
9
Continue on Oak Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Oak Street
-
10
Continue on State Highway 92
8.6 mi · 13 min · State Highway 92
-
11
Take the ramp left
1577 ft · 43 sec
-
12
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
101 mi · 1 hr 54 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
13
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
2.9 mi · 5 min
-
14
Continue on Washington Street
2296 ft · 1 min · Washington Street
-
15
Turn left onto West 4th Street
121 m · 13 sec · West 4th Street
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mediapolis and Waterloo.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
101 mi · 01h 54m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Mediapolis and Slight Chance Rain Showers then 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 Mediapolis to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 143.4 miles (230.8 km) and usually takes 02h 21m 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?
North Liberty is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71 miles from Mediapolis and 72.5 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 119.2 miles (191.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.2 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 1:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.08 one way or $38.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Mediapolis and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Stop Ideas Near North Liberty
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to North Liberty.
Mount Pleasant
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Moline, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mediapolis and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 119.23 mi (191.88 km).
#1 Mediapolis
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,514 |
| Coordinates | 41.0080900, -91.1640400 |
| Altitude | 235 |
| 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: 231 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.08 | $38.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.52 | $43.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.55 | $47.10 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.84 | $53.68 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.