How far is Waterloo, IA from Forest City, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Forest City, IA is about 114.1 miles (183.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 84.4 miles (135.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 38m 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 19m.
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 Floyd County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Forest City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Forest City.
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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
87 mi · 1 hr 40 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right
2066 ft · 59 sec
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8
Turn left onto 300th Street
1.6 mi · 2 min · 300th Street
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9
Turn right onto Grouse Avenue
1.5 km · 1 min · Grouse Avenue
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10
Continue on 310th Street
5 mi · 7 min · 310th Street
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11
Turn right onto Balsam Avenue
2 mi · 4 min · Balsam Avenue
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12
Turn left onto 330th Street
8 mi · 11 min · 330th Street
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13
Turn right
1.5 mi · 2 min
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14
Turn left onto East J Street
1114 ft · 28 sec · East J Street
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15
Turn left onto South 4th Street
109 m · 16 sec · South 4th Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Forest City.
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
87 mi · 01h 40m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Waterloo and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Forest City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Forest City?
The road trip is about 114.1 miles (183.6 km) and usually takes 02h 19m 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?
Floyd is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57 miles from Waterloo and 57.1 miles from Forest City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 84.4 miles (135.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.7 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 1:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.20 one way or $30.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Waterloo and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Forest City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Forest City. Straight-line distance: 84.39 mi (135.81 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 Forest City
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 4,025 |
| Coordinates | 43.2624600, -93.6371600 |
| Altitude | 383 |
| Country | United States |
End: Forest City (-93.63716, 43.26246)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 184 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.20 | $30.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.14 | $34.28 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.76 | $37.51 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.38 | $42.75 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.