How far is Waterloo, IA from Fairfax, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Fairfax, IA is about 62.9 miles (101.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49 miles (78.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 31m 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 15m.
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 Benton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Fairfax.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Fairfax.
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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 right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
40.7 mi · 44 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100
1286 ft · 31 sec
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6
Keep slight left
802 ft · 20 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on IA 100
1460 ft · 28 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on IA 100 West
1534 ft · 38 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Collins Road Northeast
8.8 mi · 10 min · Collins Road Northeast
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10
Keep slight right to continue on Fairfax
1481 ft · 38 sec
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11
Turn right onto 80th Street Southwest
1.8 mi · 4 min · 80th Street Southwest
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12
Turn right onto Williams Boulevard
1.4 km · 1 min · Williams Boulevard
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13
Turn left onto Losey Avenue
14 m · 3 sec · Losey Avenue
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14
Continue on Losey Avenue
1166 ft · 53 sec · Losey Avenue
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15
At the end of the road, turn right onto Vanderbilt Street
151 m · 22 sec · Vanderbilt Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vanderbilt Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Fairfax.
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
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
40.7 mi · 00h 44m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Waterloo and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Fairfax.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Fairfax?
The road trip is about 62.9 miles (101.2 km) and usually takes 01h 15m 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?
Urbana is a useful midpoint, sitting about 31.4 miles from Waterloo and 31.5 miles from Fairfax.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49 miles (78.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.37 one way or $16.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Waterloo and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Fairfax.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Fairfax. Straight-line distance: 48.95 mi (78.78 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 Fairfax
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,934 |
| Coordinates | 41.9194500, -91.7810100 |
| Altitude | 236 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairfax (-91.78101, 41.91945)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 101 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.37 | $16.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.44 | $18.88 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.33 | $20.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.77 | $23.55 |
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.