How far is Waterloo, IA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA is about 53.3 miles (85.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49 miles (78.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 45m 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 00h 52m.
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.
City in Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids.
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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
42.3 mi · 46 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Take the exit slight right
1398 ft · 34 sec
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6
Keep slight left
37 m · 5 sec
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7
Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast
1.3 mi · 2 min · 32nd Street Northeast
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8
Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast
56 m · 10 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
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9
Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast
54 m · 8 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
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10
Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast
130 m · 19 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids.
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
42.3 mi · 00h 46m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Waterloo and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cedar Rapids.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Cedar Rapids?
The road trip is about 53.3 miles (85.8 km) and usually takes 00h 52m 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 26.6 miles from Waterloo and 26.7 miles from Cedar Rapids.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49 miles (78.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.3 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 4:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.09 one way or $14.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Waterloo and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cedar Rapids.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids. Straight-line distance: 48.97 mi (78.81 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 Cedar Rapids
The second most populous city in Iowa.
| Population | 134,027 |
| Coordinates | 42.0083300, -91.6440700 |
| Altitude | 247 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tiperary Drive Northeast (-91.643986, 42.00833)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 86 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.09 | $14.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.00 | $15.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.75 | $17.50 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.97 | $19.94 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.