How far is Waterloo, IA from Emmetsburg, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Emmetsburg, IA is about 160.5 miles (258.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.1 miles (203 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 51m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 25m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Emmetsburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Emmetsburg.
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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
1910 ft · 44 sec · Washington Street
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3
Continue straight
6.3 mi · 8 min
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4
Take the exit slight right
1309 ft · 32 sec
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5
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
2382 ft · 58 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
82.5 mi · 1 hr 35 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business, CR B35: Clear Lake, Mason City
1386 ft · 40 sec
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8
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.2 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
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9
Turn right onto South 8th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South 8th Street
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10
Turn left
60 mi · 1 hr 24 min
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11
Turn slight right onto Main Street
17 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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12
Turn slight right onto 525th Avenue
1.6 mi · 2 min · 525th Avenue
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13
Keep slight left to continue on 525th Avenue
596 ft · 10 sec · 525th Avenue
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14
Continue on 370th Street
5.9 mi · 9 min · 370th Street
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15
Continue on Main Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Main Street
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16
Turn right onto Lawler Street
101 m · 12 sec · Lawler Street
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17
Turn left onto 8th Street
27 m · 4 sec · 8th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Emmetsburg.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
82.5 mi · 01h 35m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Waterloo and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Emmetsburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Emmetsburg?
The road trip is about 160.5 miles (258.3 km) and usually takes 03h 25m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mason City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.1 miles from Waterloo and 80.3 miles from Emmetsburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.1 miles (203 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:08 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.34 one way or $42.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Waterloo and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Emmetsburg.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Emmetsburg. Straight-line distance: 126.12 mi (202.97 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 Emmetsburg
City in Palo Alto County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,667 |
| Coordinates | 43.1127400, -94.6830400 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| Country | United States |
End: Emmetsburg (-94.68304, 43.11274)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 258 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.34 | $42.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.07 | $48.14 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.34 | $52.68 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.02 | $60.04 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.