How far is Waterloo, IA from Decorah, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Decorah, IA is about 78.4 miles (126.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 62.7 miles (100.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 38m 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 49m.
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.
Township in Chickasaw County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Decorah.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Decorah.
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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
22.8 mi · 26 min · Larrabee Avenue
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7
Take the exit slight right
1912 ft · 57 sec
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8
At the end of the road, turn left onto 270th Street
5.4 mi · 7 min · 270th Street
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9
Continue on West Main Street
1.5 km · 1 min · West Main Street
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10
Continue on 270th Street
2.5 mi · 4 min · 270th Street
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11
Turn left onto Union Avenue
7.1 mi · 10 min · Union Avenue
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12
Continue on County Highway V56
133 m · 11 sec · County Highway V56
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13
Turn right onto State Highway 24
12.6 mi · 17 min · State Highway 24
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14
Continue on 1st Street Southeast
1363 ft · 42 sec · 1st Street Southeast
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15
Continue on State Highway 24
2.7 mi · 4 min · State Highway 24
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16
Continue on Highway 24
3252 ft · 50 sec · Highway 24
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17
Continue on State Highway 24
3237 ft · 52 sec · State Highway 24
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18
Continue on Charles Street
1751 ft · 40 sec · Charles Street
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19
Turn right onto South Street
1043 ft · 51 sec · South Street
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20
Turn left onto Maryville Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · Maryville Street
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21
Continue straight
7.8 mi · 11 min
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22
Turn right onto State Highway 9
2175 ft · 39 sec · State Highway 9
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23
Turn left onto Short Street
2219 ft · 1 min · Short Street
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24
Continue on South Mechanic Street
2540 ft · 1 min · South Mechanic Street
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25
Turn right onto West Broadway Street
1323 ft · 32 sec · West Broadway Street
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26
Turn left onto Washington Street
104 m · 17 sec · Washington Street
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27
Turn right onto East Main Street
18 m · 3 sec · East Main Street
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28
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Decorah.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Larrabee Avenue
Continue on Larrabee Avenue
22.8 mi · 00h 26m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Waterloo and Mostly Sunny near Decorah.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Decorah?
The road trip is about 78.4 miles (126.1 km) and usually takes 01h 49m 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?
Fredericksburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.1 miles from Waterloo and 39.2 miles from Decorah.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 62.7 miles (100.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.7 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 2:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.45 one way or $20.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Waterloo and Mostly Sunny near Decorah.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Decorah. Straight-line distance: 62.7 mi (100.91 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 Decorah
Town in Iowa
| Population | 7,484 |
| Coordinates | 43.3033100, -91.7857100 |
| Altitude | 268 |
| Country | United States |
End: Decorah (-91.78571, 43.30331)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 126 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.45 | $20.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.78 | $23.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.89 | $25.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.69 | $29.38 |
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 26, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.