How far is Waterloo, IA from Atkins, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Atkins, IA is about 50.3 miles (81 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 42.2 miles (67.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 19m 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 09m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Atkins.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Atkins.
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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
2.7 mi · 4 min · Washington Street
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3
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
6.5 mi · 8 min
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4
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
23.1 mi · 25 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Take the exit slight right toward Urbana
1746 ft · 45 sec
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6
Turn right onto 55th Street
758 ft · 15 sec · 55th Street
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7
Turn left onto Union Avenue
1787 ft · 38 sec · Union Avenue
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8
Continue on 32nd Avenue
8.7 mi · 15 min · 32nd Avenue
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9
Continue on Northwest Canton Street
1340 ft · 32 sec · Northwest Canton Street
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10
Turn left onto East Main Street
1105 ft · 24 sec · East Main Street
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11
Turn right onto Pearl Street
545 ft · 11 sec · Pearl Street
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Southwest Smith Street
2177 ft · 44 sec · Southwest Smith Street
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13
Continue on 32nd Avenue
6.6 mi · 12 min · 32nd Avenue
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14
Turn left onto Park Ridge Road
3087 ft · 1 min · Park Ridge Road
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15
Turn left onto Main Avenue
1560 ft · 1 min · Main Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Atkins.
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
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
23.1 mi · 00h 25m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms near Atkins.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Atkins?
The road trip is about 50.3 miles (81 km) and usually takes 01h 09m 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?
Brandon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.2 miles from Waterloo and 25.2 miles from Atkins.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 42.2 miles (67.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.71 one way or $13.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Waterloo and Showers And Thunderstorms near Atkins.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Atkins. Straight-line distance: 42.17 mi (67.87 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 Atkins
City in Benton County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,978 |
| Coordinates | 41.9969400, -91.8621300 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
End: Atkins (-91.86213, 41.99694)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 81 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.71 | $13.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.57 | $15.14 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.28 | $16.57 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.44 | $18.88 |
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.