How far is Waterloo, IA from Cherokee, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Cherokee, IA is about 185.7 miles (298.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 164.1 miles (264.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 31m 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 45m.
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.
Human settlement in Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Cherokee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Cherokee.
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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
117 m · 10 sec · Washington Street
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3
Turn right onto West 5th Street
1622 ft · 34 sec · West 5th Street
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4
Continue on West 4th Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · West 4th Street
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5
Turn slight right onto West Ridgeway Avenue
3073 ft · 1 min · West Ridgeway Avenue
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6
Turn left onto Sergeant Road
1.3 km · 1 min · Sergeant Road
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7
Take the ramp left
1428 ft · 36 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
154.1 mi · 2 hr 58 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Turn right onto Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
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10
Continue on 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
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11
Turn left onto Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
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12
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
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13
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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14
Continue on V Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
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15
Turn left onto State Highway 3
1153 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 3
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16
Turn straight onto 530th Street
3.5 mi · 5 min · 530th Street
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17
Keep slight left to continue on State Highway 977
1852 ft · 37 sec · State Highway 977
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18
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
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19
Turn left onto South 2nd Street
48 m · 7 sec · South 2nd Street
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20
Turn right
32 m · 8 sec
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Cherokee.
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
154 mi · 02h 58m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Waterloo and Showers And Thunderstorms near Cherokee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Cherokee?
The road trip is about 185.7 miles (298.9 km) and usually takes 03h 45m 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?
Otho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 92.6 miles from Waterloo and 93.1 miles from Cherokee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 164.1 miles (264.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:28 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.70 one way or $49.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58.2 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 Showers And Thunderstorms near Cherokee.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Cherokee. Straight-line distance: 164.09 mi (264.08 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 Cherokee
Native American people indigenous to the Southeastern United States
| Population | 4,841 |
| Coordinates | 42.7494300, -95.5516700 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cherokee (-95.55167, 42.74943)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 299 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.70 | $49.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.86 | $55.71 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.48 | $60.97 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.74 | $69.48 |
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.