How far is Tripoli, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Tripoli, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 26.3 miles (42.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 22.2 miles (35.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 04m 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 32m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tripoli and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tripoli and Waterloo.
-
1
Start on South Main Street
2086 ft · 37 sec · South Main Street
-
2
Turn right onto 7th Avenue Southwest
2681 ft · 45 sec · 7th Avenue Southwest
-
3
Continue on 170th Street
3.5 mi · 5 min · 170th Street
-
4
Turn left onto Larrabee Avenue
11.3 mi · 13 min · Larrabee Avenue
-
5
Continue on Logan Avenue
8.7 mi · 12 min · Logan Avenue
-
6
Continue on East Mullan Avenue
1.5 mi · 3 min · East Mullan Avenue
-
7
Turn straight
1100 ft · 20 sec
-
8
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
-
9
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
-
10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tripoli 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.
Larrabee Avenue
Turn left onto Larrabee Avenue
11.3 mi · 00h 13m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Tripoli and 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 Tripoli to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 26.3 miles (42.4 km) and usually takes 00h 32m 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?
Denver is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.2 miles from Tripoli and 13.2 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 22.2 miles (35.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.51 one way or $7.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Tripoli and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tripoli and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 22.21 mi (35.74 km).
#1 Tripoli
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,375 |
| Coordinates | 42.8080400, -92.2582300 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| 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: 42 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.51 | $7.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.96 | $7.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.33 | $8.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $4.93 | $9.87 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.