How far is Tama, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Tama, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 45.4 miles (73.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 50m 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 00h 55m.
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.
City in Tama 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 Tama and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tama and Waterloo.
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1
Start on State Street
1642 ft · 33 sec · State Street
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2
Turn left onto West 13th Street
1334 ft · 25 sec · West 13th Street
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3
Turn right onto Harding Street
2225 ft · 38 sec · Harding Street
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4
Continue on South County Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · South County Road
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5
Continue on J Avenue
11.8 mi · 18 min · J Avenue
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6
At the end of the road, turn right
30.1 mi · 43 min
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7
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
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8
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
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9
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
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10
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
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11
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tama 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.
Longest stretch
At the end of the road, turn right
30.1 mi · 00h 43m
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 Tama and Sunny near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tama to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 45.4 miles (73.1 km) and usually takes 00h 55m 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?
Traer is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.7 miles from Tama and 22.7 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.1 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 4:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.03 one way or $12.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tama and Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tama and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 38.27 mi (61.59 km).
#1 Tama
City in Tokyo, Japan
| Population | 2,723 |
| Coordinates | 41.9666600, -92.5768600 |
| Altitude | 257 |
| 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: 73 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.03 | $12.07 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.80 | $13.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.45 | $14.89 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.49 | $16.97 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.