How far is Onawa, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Onawa, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 219.3 miles (352.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 194.7 miles (313.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 06m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 33m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Onawa and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Onawa and Waterloo.
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1
Start on 10th Street
9 m · 5 sec · 10th Street
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2
Turn right onto Iowa Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · Iowa Avenue
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3
Continue on State Highway 175
6.8 mi · 10 min · State Highway 175
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4
Continue on State Highway 175
4.2 mi · 6 min · State Highway 175
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5
Continue on 1st Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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6
Continue on State Highway 175
8.2 mi · 12 min · State Highway 175
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7
Continue on North Front Street
130 m · 19 sec · North Front Street
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8
Continue on Heisler Street
126 m · 24 sec · Heisler Street
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9
Turn left onto North 4th Street
2716 ft · 1 min · North 4th Street
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10
Turn right onto State Highway 175
14.4 mi · 20 min · State Highway 175
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11
Continue on 1st Street
1.5 km · 2 min · 1st Street
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12
Continue on State Highway 175
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 175
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13
Turn left onto Eagle Avenue
10 mi · 14 min · Eagle Avenue
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14
Turn right onto Highway 20
1.3 mi · 2 min · Highway 20
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15
Continue on United States Highway 20
8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
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16
Continue on 220th Street
154.8 mi · 2 hr 59 min · 220th Street
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17
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
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18
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
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19
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
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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 Onawa 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.
220th Street
Continue on 220th Street
155 mi · 02h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Onawa and Sunny near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Onawa to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 219.3 miles (352.9 km) and usually takes 03h 33m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 108.7 miles from Onawa and 110.6 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 194.7 miles (313.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:54 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.19 one way or $58.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 68.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Onawa and Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Onawa and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 194.64 mi (313.25 km).
#1 Onawa
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,766 |
| Coordinates | 42.0266500, -96.0972400 |
| Altitude | 320 |
| 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: 353 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.19 | $58.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $32.92 | $65.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $36.02 | $72.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $41.05 | $82.11 |
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.