How far is University Heights, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from University Heights, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 80.3 miles (129.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 70.5 miles (113.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 40m 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 20m.
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 Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between University Heights and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between University Heights and Waterloo.
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1
Start on Koser Avenue
761 ft · 36 sec · Koser Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Sunset Street
79 m · 18 sec · Sunset Street
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3
Turn left onto Melrose Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · Melrose Avenue
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4
Take the ramp right
1993 ft · 49 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
74.3 mi · 1 hr 23 min · Avenue of the Saints
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
2.9 mi · 5 min
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7
Continue on Washington Street
2296 ft · 1 min · Washington Street
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8
Turn left onto West 4th Street
121 m · 13 sec · West 4th Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between University Heights 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.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
74.3 mi · 01h 23m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving University Heights and Mostly Cloudy near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from University Heights to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 80.3 miles (129.2 km) and usually takes 01h 20m 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?
Center Point is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.1 miles from University Heights and 40.2 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 70.5 miles (113.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.8 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.67 one way or $21.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around University Heights and Mostly Cloudy near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between University Heights and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 70.54 mi (113.52 km).
#1 University Heights
Town in Johnson County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,025 |
| Coordinates | 41.6550200, -91.5568400 |
| Altitude | 233 |
| 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: 129 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.67 | $21.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.04 | $24.07 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.17 | $26.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.01 | $30.02 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.