How far is Waterloo, IA from Central City, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Central City, IA is about 54.8 miles (88.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 46.4 miles (74.6 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.
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 Central City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Central City.
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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
29.1 mi · 31 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Take the exit slight right toward CR W36: Center Point
1889 ft · 52 sec
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6
Turn left onto Lewis Access Road
1 mi · 2 min · Lewis Access Road
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7
Continue on Franklin Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · Franklin Street
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8
Turn right onto East Grubbs Street
2903 ft · 1 min · East Grubbs Street
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9
Continue on Central City Road
12.4 mi · 17 min · Central City Road
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10
Turn left onto Marion Road
2746 ft · 48 sec · Marion Road
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11
Turn right onto West Maple Street
911 ft · 31 sec · West Maple Street
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12
Continue on West Main Street
1254 ft · 51 sec · West Main Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Central City.
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
29.1 mi · 00h 31m
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 Central City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Central City?
The road trip is about 54.8 miles (88.2 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 27.3 miles from Waterloo and 27.5 miles from Central City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 46.4 miles (74.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.4 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 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 $7.28 one way or $14.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.2 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 Central City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Central City. Straight-line distance: 46.34 mi (74.57 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 Central City
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,296 |
| Coordinates | 42.2038800, -91.5240600 |
| Altitude | 254 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central City (-91.52406, 42.20388)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 88 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.28 | $14.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.21 | $16.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.98 | $17.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.24 | $20.47 |
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.