How far is Waterloo, IA from Dubuque, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Dubuque, IA is about 91.3 miles (147 km), with a travel time of about 01h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 85.5 miles (137.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 00m 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 30m.
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 Delaware County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Dubuque.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Dubuque.
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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
2.7 mi · 4 min · Washington Street
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3
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
6.5 mi · 8 min
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4
Keep slight left
81.4 mi · 1 hr 37 min
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5
Turn left onto South Locust Street
553 ft · 18 sec · South Locust Street
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6
Turn straight onto IA 946
708 ft · 21 sec
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7
At the end of the road, turn left
128 m · 13 sec
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8
Take the exit slight right toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
1432 ft · 32 sec
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9
Continue on White Street
638 ft · 27 sec · White Street
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10
Turn left onto East 7th Street
87 m · 20 sec · East 7th Street
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11
Turn left onto Central Avenue
10 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Dubuque.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I-380 south
Keep slight left
81.4 mi · 01h 37m
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 Dubuque.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Dubuque?
The road trip is about 91.3 miles (147 km) and usually takes 01h 30m 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?
Manchester is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45.6 miles from Waterloo and 45.7 miles from Dubuque.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 85.5 miles (137.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.8 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 3:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.14 one way or $24.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waterloo and Sunny near Dubuque.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Dubuque. Straight-line distance: 85.5 mi (137.6 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 Dubuque
The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.
| Population | 57,781 |
| Coordinates | 42.5005600, -90.6645700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central Avenue (-90.664595, 42.500561)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 147 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.14 | $24.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.69 | $27.39 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.99 | $29.97 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.08 | $34.16 |
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.