How far is Waterloo, IA from Elkader, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Elkader, IA is about 73.9 miles (119 km), with a travel time of about 01h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 12m 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.
Human settlement in Delaware County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Elkader.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Elkader.
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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
28.1 mi · 32 min
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5
Take the exit slight right
2049 ft · 57 sec
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6
Turn left onto Washburn Avenue
12.5 mi · 17 min · Washburn Avenue
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7
Continue on C Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · C Avenue
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward 40th Street
6 m · 1 sec · 40th Street
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9
Exit the roundabout onto 40th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 40th Street
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10
Continue on State Highway 3
2.9 mi · 4 min · State Highway 3
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11
Continue on West Mission Street
1.3 km · 1 min · West Mission Street
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12
Turn left onto Elkader Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Elkader Street
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13
Continue on State Highway 13
13.1 mi · 18 min · State Highway 13
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14
Turn left onto Strawberry Point Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Strawberry Point Road
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15
Continue on South 1st Street
1177 ft · 20 sec · South 1st Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 1st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Elkader.
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
28.1 mi · 00h 32m
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 Elkader.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Elkader?
The road trip is about 73.9 miles (119 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?
Masonville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36.9 miles from Waterloo and 37 miles from Elkader.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.2 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 3:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.84 one way or $19.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waterloo and Sunny near Elkader.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Elkader. Straight-line distance: 53.77 mi (86.53 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 |
End: Elkader (-91.40542, 42.85387)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 119 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.84 | $19.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.10 | $22.20 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.15 | $24.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.84 | $27.69 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.