How far is Monroe, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Monroe, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 101.3 miles (163 km), with a travel time of about 01h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 77.5 miles (124.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 51m 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 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.
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 Monroe and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monroe and Waterloo.
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1
Start on North Monroe Street
2836 ft · 48 sec · North Monroe Street
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2
Continue on State Highway 14
10.8 mi · 16 min · State Highway 14
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3
Take the ramp right
1686 ft · 41 sec
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4
Merge slight left
17.7 mi · 19 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 146: Grinnell, New Sharon
1770 ft · 45 sec
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6
Turn left onto State Highway 146
136 m · 13 sec · State Highway 146
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7
Continue on West Street South
3.3 mi · 6 min · West Street South
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8
Turn right onto 4th Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue
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9
Turn left onto Penrose Street
1056 ft · 40 sec · Penrose Street
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10
Turn right onto 6th Avenue
2927 ft · 53 sec · 6th Avenue
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11
Continue on 380th Avenue
5.5 mi · 8 min · 380th Avenue
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12
Turn left onto 100th Street
8 mi · 12 min · 100th Street
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13
Continue on J Avenue
6.3 mi · 9 min · J Avenue
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14
Continue on State Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · State Street
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15
Turn left onto West 13th Street
1334 ft · 25 sec · West 13th Street
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16
Turn right onto Harding Street
2225 ft · 38 sec · Harding Street
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17
Continue on South County Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · South County Road
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18
Continue on J Avenue
11.8 mi · 18 min · J Avenue
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19
At the end of the road, turn right
30.1 mi · 43 min
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20
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
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21
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
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22
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
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23
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
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24
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Monroe 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
At the end of the road, turn right
30.1 mi · 00h 43m
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 Monroe 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 Monroe to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 101.3 miles (163 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?
Tama is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50.6 miles from Monroe and 50.7 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 77.5 miles (124.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.8 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 $13.46 one way or $26.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Monroe and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Stop Ideas Near Tama
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 Tama.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Monroe and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 77.55 mi (124.81 km).
#1 Monroe
City in Jasper County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,905 |
| Coordinates | 41.5222100, -93.1018700 |
| Altitude | 282 |
| 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: 163 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.46 | $26.92 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.18 | $30.37 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.61 | $33.23 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.94 | $37.87 |
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.