How far is Waterloo, IA from Charles City, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Charles City, IA is about 50.6 miles (81.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 43 miles (69.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 04m 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 02m.
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 Bremer County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Charles City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Charles City.
-
1
Start on West 4th Street
23 m · 6 sec · West 4th Street
-
2
Turn right onto Washington Street
1910 ft · 44 sec · Washington Street
-
3
Continue straight
6.3 mi · 8 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right
1309 ft · 32 sec
-
5
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
2382 ft · 58 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
40.7 mi · 47 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, US 218 Business, CR T64: Charles City, New Hampton
2121 ft · 53 sec
-
8
Turn right onto Shadow Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Shadow Avenue
-
9
Continue on South Grand Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · South Grand Avenue
-
10
Continue on Gilbert Street
117 m · 15 sec · Gilbert Street
-
11
Turn right onto Brantingham Street
1878 ft · 57 sec · Brantingham Street
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Charles 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
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
40.7 mi · 00h 47m
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.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Waterloo and Showers And Thunderstorms near Charles City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Charles City?
The road trip is about 50.6 miles (81.4 km) and usually takes 01h 02m 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?
Waverly is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.3 miles from Waterloo and 25.3 miles from Charles City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 43 miles (69.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.6 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 4:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.75 one way or $13.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Waterloo and Showers And Thunderstorms near Charles City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Charles City. Straight-line distance: 43.01 mi (69.22 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 Charles City
City in Iowa
| Population | 7,307 |
| Coordinates | 43.0663600, -92.6724100 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| Country | United States |
End: Charles City (-92.67241, 43.06636)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 81 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 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 | $6.75 | $13.50 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.61 | $15.23 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.33 | $16.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.49 | $18.99 |
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.