How far is Waterloo, IA from Fairfield, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Fairfield, IA is about 148.7 miles (239.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.4 miles (168 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 46m 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 02h 53m.
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 Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Fairfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Fairfield.
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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
115.8 mi · 2 hr 11 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Keep slight right
2853 ft · 38 sec
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6
Take the exit right
2249 ft · 55 sec
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7
Merge slight left
19.4 mi · 22 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 34 Business West
3006 ft · 1 min
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9
Turn right onto East Burlington Avenue
2.4 mi · 4 min · East Burlington Avenue
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10
Turn right onto North B Street
719 ft · 25 sec · North B Street
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11
Turn left onto East Briggs Avenue
126 m · 20 sec · East Briggs Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Briggs Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Fairfield.
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
116 mi · 02h 11m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Waterloo and Sunny near Fairfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Fairfield?
The road trip is about 148.7 miles (239.3 km) and usually takes 02h 53m 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?
Tiffin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 74.3 miles from Waterloo and 74.4 miles from Fairfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.4 miles (168 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.3 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 12:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.80 one way or $39.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Waterloo and Sunny near Fairfield.
Stop Ideas Near Tiffin
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tiffin.
Mount Pleasant
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Fairfield. Straight-line distance: 104.4 mi (168.02 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 Fairfield
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,500 |
| Coordinates | 41.0086300, -91.9626700 |
| Altitude | 236 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairfield (-91.96267, 41.00863)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 239 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.80 | $39.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.33 | $44.66 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.43 | $48.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.85 | $55.69 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.