How far is Story City, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Story City, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 85.4 miles (137.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 67.4 miles (108.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 46m 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 23m.
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 Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Story City and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Story City and Waterloo.
-
1
Start on Pennsylvania Avenue
16 m · 8 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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2
Turn left onto Broad Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · Broad Street
-
3
Continue on 115th Street
130 m · 15 sec · 115th Street
-
4
Take the ramp left toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2155 ft · 53 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
17.3 mi · 19 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2998 ft · 1 min
-
7
Merge slight left
60.6 mi · 1 hr 10 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
-
9
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
-
10
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
-
11
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
-
12
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
-
13
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
-
14
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
-
15
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 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 Story City 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.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
60.6 mi · 01h 10m
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.
Sunny leaving Story City and Sunny near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Story City to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 85.4 miles (137.4 km) and usually takes 01h 23m 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?
Steamboat Rock is a useful midpoint, sitting about 42.7 miles from Story City and 42.8 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 67.4 miles (108.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 18 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 3:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.35 one way or $22.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Story City and Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Story City and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 67.38 mi (108.43 km).
#1 Story City
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,320 |
| Coordinates | 42.1872100, -93.5957700 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| 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: 137 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.35 | $22.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.80 | $25.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.01 | $28.02 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.97 | $31.93 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.