How far is Rock Rapids, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Rock Rapids, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 263 miles (423.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 204.2 miles (328.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 49m 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 04h 24m.
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.
Human settlement in Winnebago County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rock Rapids and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rock Rapids and Waterloo.
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1
Start on South Union Street
1712 ft · 53 sec · South Union Street
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2
Turn right onto 1st Avenue
2595 ft · 1 min · 1st Avenue
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3
Continue on North 2nd Avenue East
2719 ft · 1 min · North 2nd Avenue East
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4
Continue on State Highway 9
19.8 mi · 27 min · State Highway 9
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5
Continue on Ia 9th Street
2.5 mi · 4 min · Ia 9th Street
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6
Take the ramp left toward Iowa 60: Worthington MN
2038 ft · 27 sec
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7
Merge slight left
4.8 mi · 6 min
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8
Continue straight
5.1 mi · 6 min
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9
Continue straight
5.5 mi · 7 min
-
10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
34 m · 7 sec
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11
Exit the roundabout
1.2 km · 1 min
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Oxford Street
29 m · 5 sec
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13
Exit the rotary
2635 ft · 53 sec
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14
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward I 90: Albert Lea
75 m · 14 sec
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15
Exit the roundabout onto I 90: Albert Lea
114.6 mi · 2 hr 3 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
2668 ft · 1 min
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17
Merge slight left
40.3 mi · 43 min
-
18
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
2212 ft · 27 sec
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19
Turn slight right onto US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
81.3 mi · 1 hr 34 min
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20
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 south: Waterloo
97 m · 8 sec
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21
Continue on US 218 south: Waterloo
1625 ft · 40 sec
-
22
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
5.8 mi · 7 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
-
23
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
2120 ft · 52 sec
-
24
Turn straight onto Washington Street
876 ft · 21 sec · Washington Street
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25
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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26
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rock Rapids and Waterloo.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 90
Exit the roundabout onto I 90: Albert Lea
115 mi · 02h 03m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Rock Rapids 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 Rock Rapids to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 263 miles (423.2 km) and usually takes 04h 24m 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?
Scarville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 142.1 miles from Rock Rapids and 120.8 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 204.2 miles (328.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 58.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.99 one way or $69.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 82.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Rock Rapids and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rock Rapids and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 204.26 mi (328.72 km).
#1 Rock Rapids
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,518 |
| Coordinates | 43.4271900, -96.1758600 |
| Altitude | 423 |
| 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: 423 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $34.99 | $69.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $39.47 | $78.94 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $43.19 | $86.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $49.22 | $98.44 |
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.