How far is Waterloo, IA from Cresco, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Cresco, IA is about 72.8 miles (117.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 62.4 miles (100.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 13m 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 36m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Cresco.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Cresco.
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1
Start on West 4th Street
1230 ft · 45 sec · West 4th Street
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2
Turn left onto Commercial Street
1474 ft · 46 sec · Commercial Street
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3
Turn right onto West 1st Street
3169 ft · 1 min · West 1st Street
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4
Continue on East Mullan Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · East Mullan Avenue
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5
Continue on Logan Avenue
8.7 mi · 12 min · Logan Avenue
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6
Continue on Larrabee Avenue
41.2 mi · 49 min · Larrabee Avenue
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7
Continue on United States Highway 63
10.9 mi · 15 min · United States Highway 63
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8
Turn right onto State Highway 9
8 mi · 11 min · State Highway 9
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9
Continue on 2nd Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
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10
Turn left onto 3rd Street Southwest
774 ft · 15 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
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11
Continue on 3rd Street West
3257 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street West
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12
Turn right onto 8th Avenue West
1678 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue West
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Avenue East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Cresco.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Larrabee Avenue
Continue on Larrabee Avenue
41.2 mi · 00h 49m
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.
Sunny leaving Waterloo and Sunny near Cresco.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Cresco?
The road trip is about 72.8 miles (117.2 km) and usually takes 01h 36m 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?
New Hampton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36.4 miles from Waterloo and 36.4 miles from Cresco.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 62.4 miles (100.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.4 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 3:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.69 one way or $19.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waterloo and Sunny near Cresco.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Cresco. Straight-line distance: 62.48 mi (100.55 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 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cresco (-92.11405, 43.38136)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 117 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.69 | $19.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.93 | $21.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.96 | $23.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.63 | $27.26 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.