How far is Waterloo, IA from Clarion, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Clarion, IA is about 85.9 miles (138.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 72.6 miles (116.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 53m 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 56m.
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 Butler County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Clarion.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Clarion.
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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
1910 ft · 44 sec · Washington Street
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3
Continue straight
6.3 mi · 8 min
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4
Take the exit slight right
1309 ft · 32 sec
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5
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
2382 ft · 58 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
15 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right
2013 ft · 56 sec
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8
Turn left onto 230th Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · 230th Street
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9
Continue on State Highway 3
3.4 mi · 5 min · State Highway 3
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10
Continue on 210th Street
8.8 mi · 12 min · 210th Street
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11
Continue on State Highway 3
1 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
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12
Continue on 210th Street
7.4 mi · 10 min · 210th Street
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13
Continue on South Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Street
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14
Continue on 210th Street
1.8 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
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15
Continue on State Highway 3
8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 3
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16
Continue on Central Avenue East
2.1 mi · 4 min · Central Avenue East
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17
Continue on State Highway 3
9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
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18
Continue on Balsam Avenue
5.1 mi · 7 min · Balsam Avenue
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19
Continue on 210th Street
6 mi · 8 min · 210th Street
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20
Turn left
6.8 mi · 10 min
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue West
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Clarion.
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
15 mi · 00h 17m
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 leaving Waterloo and Sunny near Clarion.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Clarion?
The road trip is about 85.9 miles (138.2 km) and usually takes 01h 56m 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?
Bristow is a useful midpoint, sitting about 42.9 miles from Waterloo and 43.1 miles from Clarion.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 72.6 miles (116.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.3 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 2:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.43 one way or $22.85 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Waterloo and Sunny near Clarion.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Clarion. Straight-line distance: 72.58 mi (116.81 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 Clarion
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,678 |
| Coordinates | 42.7316400, -93.7329900 |
| Altitude | 357 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clarion (-93.73299, 42.73164)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 138 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.43 | $22.85 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.89 | $25.77 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.10 | $28.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.07 | $32.14 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.