How far is Oelwein, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Oelwein, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 34.2 miles (55.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 25.2 miles (40.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 26m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 43m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then 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 Oelwein and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oelwein and Waterloo.
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1
Start on South Frederick Avenue
2.2 mi · 4 min · South Frederick Avenue
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2
Turn right onto 100th Street
5.7 mi · 8 min · 100th Street
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3
Continue on 102nd Street
1.4 km · 1 min · 102nd Street
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4
Continue on Grove Street
2744 ft · 48 sec · Grove Street
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5
Turn right onto 4th Street South
123 m · 12 sec · 4th Street South
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6
Turn left onto Main Street East
2641 ft · 50 sec · Main Street East
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7
Turn left onto Walnut Street South
107 m · 8 sec · Walnut Street South
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8
Turn right onto Fairbank Street
1223 ft · 26 sec · Fairbank Street
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9
Continue on 102nd Street
1 mi · 1 min · 102nd Street
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10
Continue on Fairbank Road
4.1 mi · 6 min · Fairbank Road
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11
Continue on North Canfield Road
4 mi · 6 min · North Canfield Road
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12
Continue on North Canfield Street
2591 ft · 46 sec · North Canfield Street
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13
Turn right onto West Dunkerton Street
2693 ft · 54 sec · West Dunkerton Street
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14
Continue on East Dunkerton Road
2.5 mi · 3 min · East Dunkerton Road
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15
Turn left onto North Raymond Road
5 mi · 7 min · North Raymond Road
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16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Independence Avenue
8 m · 1 sec · Independence Avenue
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17
Exit the roundabout onto Independence Avenue
5.5 mi · 9 min · Independence Avenue
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18
Continue on Walnut Street
1057 ft · 26 sec · Walnut Street
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19
Turn left onto East 5th Street
1.2 km · 2 min · East 5th Street
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20
Turn right onto Washington Street
117 m · 18 sec · Washington Street
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21
Turn left onto West 4th Street
121 m · 13 sec · West 4th Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Oelwein and Waterloo.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
100th Street
Turn right onto 100th Street
5.69 mi · 00h 08m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Oelwein 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 Oelwein to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 34.2 miles (55.1 km) and usually takes 00h 43m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Dunkerton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.1 miles from Oelwein and 17.1 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 25.2 miles (40.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.56 one way or $9.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Oelwein and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Oelwein and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 25.16 mi (40.49 km).
#1 Oelwein
City in Fayette County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 5,789 |
| Coordinates | 42.6733200, -91.9135000 |
| Altitude | 319 |
| 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: 55 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.56 | $9.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.15 | $10.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.63 | $11.26 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.42 | $12.84 |
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.