How far is Monticello, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Monticello, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 74.3 miles (119.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 61.6 miles (99.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 37m 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 18m.
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.
Human settlement in Delaware County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Monticello and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monticello and Waterloo.
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1
Start on North Maple Street
22 m · 5 sec · North Maple Street
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2
Turn right onto East 1st Street
622 ft · 12 sec · East 1st Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Cedar Street
1 mi · 2 min · North Cedar Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 38
8.6 mi · 13 min · State Highway 38
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5
Continue on 3rd Street
1 km · 57 sec · 3rd Street
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6
Continue on State Highway 38
7.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 38
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7
Continue on Market Street
2885 ft · 49 sec · Market Street
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8
Turn right onto 3rd Street
3080 ft · 52 sec · 3rd Street
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9
Continue on State Highway 38
2.5 mi · 4 min · State Highway 38
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10
Continue on 5th Street
132 m · 14 sec · 5th Street
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11
Take the ramp left
1345 ft · 33 sec
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12
Merge slight left
49.4 mi · 57 min
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13
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
2.9 mi · 5 min
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14
Continue on Washington Street
2296 ft · 1 min · Washington Street
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15
Turn left onto West 4th Street
121 m · 13 sec · West 4th Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Monticello 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.
5th Street
Merge slight left
49.4 mi · 00h 57m
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.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Monticello and 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 Monticello to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 74.3 miles (119.6 km) and usually takes 01h 18m 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?
Masonville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 37.1 miles from Monticello and 37.2 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 61.6 miles (99.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.7 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 3:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.88 one way or $19.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Monticello and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Monticello and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 61.57 mi (99.09 km).
#1 Monticello
City in Jones County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,873 |
| Coordinates | 42.2383400, -91.1870900 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| 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: 120 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.88 | $19.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.14 | $22.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.19 | $24.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.90 | $27.79 |
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.