How far is Waterloo, IA from Burlington, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Burlington, IA is about 156.5 miles (251.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 132.6 miles (213.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 02m 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 01m.
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 Johnson County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Burlington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Burlington.
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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
115.8 mi · 2 hr 11 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
3.6 mi · 4 min · Avenue of the Saints
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
1341 ft · 33 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
26.8 mi · 32 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Central Ave
1413 ft · 38 sec
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9
Turn right onto North Central Avenue
2899 ft · 1 min · North Central Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Burlington.
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
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
116 mi · 02h 11m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Waterloo and Rain Showers Likely near Burlington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Burlington?
The road trip is about 156.5 miles (251.8 km) and usually takes 03h 01m 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?
Coralville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.2 miles from Waterloo and 78.2 miles from Burlington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 132.6 miles (213.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.9 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 10:58 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.82 one way or $41.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Waterloo and Rain Showers Likely near Burlington.
Stop Ideas Near Coralville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Coralville.
Mount Pleasant
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Moline, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Burlington. Straight-line distance: 132.63 mi (213.44 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 Burlington
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 24,516 |
| Coordinates | 40.8075400, -91.1129200 |
| Altitude | 185 |
| Country | United States |
End: Burlington (-91.11292, 40.80754)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 252 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.82 | $41.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.48 | $46.95 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.69 | $51.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.28 | $58.56 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.