How far is Waterloo, IA from Elk Run Heights, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Elk Run Heights, IA is about 5.5 miles (8.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 4.7 miles (7.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 18m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 09m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Elk Run Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Elk Run Heights.
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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
2684 ft · 56 sec · Washington Street
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3
Turn left onto West 11th Street
1.2 km · 2 min · West 11th Street
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4
Turn right onto Franklin Street
3050 ft · 56 sec · Franklin Street
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5
Continue on Dubuque Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Dubuque Road
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6
Turn right onto Gilbertville Road
1917 ft · 46 sec · Gilbertville Road
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Gilbertville Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Elk Run Heights.
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.
Dubuque Road
Continue on Dubuque Road
3.33 mi · 00h 05m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Waterloo and Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near Elk Run Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Elk Run Heights?
The road trip is about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) and usually takes 00h 09m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Evansdale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 2.7 miles from Waterloo and 2.8 miles from Elk Run Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 4.7 miles (7.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 0.8 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $0.75 one way or $1.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 1.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Waterloo and Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near Elk Run Heights.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Elk Run Heights. Straight-line distance: 4.75 mi (7.64 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 Elk Run Heights
City in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,135 |
| Coordinates | 42.4669300, -92.2565700 |
| Altitude | 259 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elk Run Heights (-92.25657, 42.46693)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 9 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $0.75 | $1.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $0.85 | $1.70 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $0.93 | $1.86 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $1.06 | $2.12 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.