How far is Waterloo, IA from Akron, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Akron, IA is about 241.6 miles (388.8 km), with a travel time of about 04h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 215.5 miles (346.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 53m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 56m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in and county seat of Calhoun County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Akron.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Akron.
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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
155.2 mi · 2 hr 59 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Continue on 160th Street
6.4 mi · 7 min · 160th Street
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10
Continue on United States Highway 20
1.9 mi · 3 min · United States Highway 20
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11
Continue on Highway 20
44.1 mi · 56 min · Highway 20
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12
Turn left onto South Virginia Street
104 m · 16 sec · South Virginia Street
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13
Take the ramp slight right toward I 29 North
1548 ft · 40 sec
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14
Merge slight left
3 mi · 3 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward IA 12 North: Riverside Boulevard
1588 ft · 39 sec
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16
Turn right onto Riverside Boulevard
2 mi · 4 min · Riverside Boulevard
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17
Continue on Sioux River Road
2.8 mi · 4 min · Sioux River Road
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18
Continue on State Highway 12
15.5 mi · 21 min · State Highway 12
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19
Continue on Portland Street
933 ft · 18 sec · Portland Street
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20
Continue on State Highway 12
1418 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 12
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21
Continue on State Highway 3
4.7 mi · 7 min · State Highway 3
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22
Continue on State Highway 12
2285 ft · 59 sec · State Highway 12
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23
Turn right onto Reed Street
84 m · 18 sec · Reed Street
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24
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
16 m · 2 sec · North 2nd Street
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Akron.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
155 mi · 02h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Waterloo and Chance Rain Showers near Akron.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Akron?
The road trip is about 241.6 miles (388.8 km) and usually takes 04h 56m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Rockwell City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 120.5 miles from Waterloo and 121.1 miles from Akron.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 215.5 miles (346.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:06 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.13 one way or $64.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 75.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Waterloo and Chance Rain Showers near Akron.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Akron. Straight-line distance: 215.47 mi (346.77 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 Akron
City in Plymouth County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,454 |
| Coordinates | 42.8288800, -96.5594800 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| Country | United States |
End: Akron (-96.55948, 42.82888)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 389 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.13 | $64.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.24 | $72.47 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $39.65 | $79.30 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $45.19 | $90.38 |
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.