How far is Waterloo, IA from Fairbank, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Fairbank, IA is about 25 miles (40.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 18.1 miles (29.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 16m 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 38m.
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.
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Fairbank.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Fairbank.
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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
769 ft · 22 sec · Washington Street
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3
Turn left onto West 6th Street
1.3 km · 2 min · West 6th Street
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4
Turn right onto Walnut Street
759 ft · 15 sec · Walnut Street
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5
Continue on Independence Avenue
5.5 mi · 9 min · Independence Avenue
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward North Raymond Road
66 m · 4 sec · North Raymond Road
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7
Exit the roundabout onto North Raymond Road
5 mi · 7 min · North Raymond Road
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8
Turn right onto East Dunkerton Road
2.5 mi · 3 min · East Dunkerton Road
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9
Continue on West Dunkerton Street
2693 ft · 59 sec · West Dunkerton Street
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10
Turn left onto South Canfield Street
2591 ft · 44 sec · South Canfield Street
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11
Continue on North Canfield Road
4 mi · 6 min · North Canfield Road
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12
Turn straight onto Fairbank Road
4.1 mi · 6 min · Fairbank Road
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13
Continue on 102nd Street
1 mi · 1 min · 102nd Street
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14
Continue on Fairbank Street
1223 ft · 31 sec · Fairbank Street
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15
Turn left onto Walnut Street South
107 m · 8 sec · Walnut Street South
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16
Turn right onto Main Street West
2641 ft · 47 sec · Main Street West
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17
Turn right onto 4th Street South
21 m · 1 sec · 4th Street South
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Fairbank.
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.
Independence Avenue
Continue on Independence Avenue
5.52 mi · 00h 09m
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.
Sunny leaving Waterloo and Mostly Cloudy near Fairbank.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Fairbank?
The road trip is about 25 miles (40.3 km) and usually takes 00h 38m 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?
Dunkerton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 12.5 miles from Waterloo and 12.6 miles from Fairbank.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 18.1 miles (29.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.9 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 7:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.32 one way or $6.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waterloo and Mostly Cloudy near Fairbank.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Fairbank. Straight-line distance: 18.14 mi (29.19 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 Fairbank
City in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,132 |
| Coordinates | 42.6391500, -92.0471200 |
| Altitude | 301 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairbank (-92.04712, 42.63915)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 40 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.32 | $6.64 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.74 | $7.49 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.10 | $8.19 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $4.67 | $9.34 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.