How far is Waterloo, IA from Alta, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Alta, IA is about 167.8 miles (270 km), with a travel time of about 03h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 150.4 miles (242.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 42m 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 03h 21m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Webster County, Iowa, in the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Alta.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Alta.
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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
147.1 mi · 2 hr 50 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Turn right onto Gard Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Gard Avenue
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10
Continue on 90th Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · 90th Avenue
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11
At the end of the road, turn left onto 630th Street
2647 ft · 43 sec · 630th Street
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12
Turn right onto 85th Avenue
951 ft · 17 sec · 85th Avenue
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13
Continue on State Highway 110
2.7 mi · 4 min · State Highway 110
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14
Continue on State Highway 110
1595 ft · 30 sec · State Highway 110
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15
Continue on 90th Avenue
1549 ft · 34 sec · 90th Avenue
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16
Turn left onto Highway 7
3.3 mi · 5 min · Highway 7
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17
Turn right onto 60th Avenue
613 ft · 27 sec · 60th Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 60th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Alta.
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
147 mi · 02h 50m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms near Alta.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Alta?
The road trip is about 167.8 miles (270 km) and usually takes 03h 21m 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?
Duncombe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.7 miles from Waterloo and 84.1 miles from Alta.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 150.4 miles (242.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:18 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.32 one way or $44.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Waterloo and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Alta.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Alta. Straight-line distance: 150.46 mi (242.15 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 Alta
City in Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,916 |
| Coordinates | 42.6735900, -95.2905500 |
| Altitude | 454 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alta (-95.29055, 42.67359)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 270 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.32 | $44.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.18 | $50.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.55 | $55.10 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.40 | $62.80 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.