How far is Waterloo, IA from Ackley, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Ackley, IA is about 44.8 miles (72.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.4 miles (58.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 00m 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 00m.
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 Grundy County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Ackley.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Ackley.
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1
Start on West 4th Street
23 m · 6 sec · West 4th Street
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2
Turn right onto Washington Street
117 m · 10 sec · Washington Street
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3
Turn right onto West 5th Street
1622 ft · 34 sec · West 5th Street
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4
Continue on West 4th Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · West 4th Street
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5
Turn slight right onto West Ridgeway Avenue
3073 ft · 1 min · West Ridgeway Avenue
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6
Turn left onto Sergeant Road
1.3 km · 1 min · Sergeant Road
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7
Take the ramp left
1428 ft · 36 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
32.9 mi · 38 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward CR S56: Ackley, Eldora
2229 ft · 56 sec
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10
Turn right onto County Highway S56
5.9 mi · 10 min · County Highway S56
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11
Continue on Butler Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Butler Street
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12
Turn left onto Park Avenue
1733 ft · 1 min · Park Avenue
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13
Turn slight right onto Main Street
35 m · 5 sec · Main Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Ackley.
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.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
32.9 mi · 00h 38m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Waterloo and Rain Showers Likely near Ackley.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Ackley?
The road trip is about 44.8 miles (72.1 km) and usually takes 01h 00m 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?
Stout is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.4 miles from Waterloo and 22.4 miles from Ackley.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36.4 miles (58.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.4 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 4:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.96 one way or $11.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Waterloo and Rain Showers Likely near Ackley.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Ackley. Straight-line distance: 36.42 mi (58.61 km).
#1 Waterloo
The most populous city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,292 |
| Coordinates | 42.4927600, -92.3429600 |
| Altitude | 261 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ackley
City in Iowa, America
| Population | 1,485 |
| Coordinates | 42.5541500, -93.0532600 |
| Altitude | 333 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ackley (-93.05326, 42.55415)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 72 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.96 | $11.92 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.72 | $13.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.35 | $14.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.38 | $16.76 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.