How far is Waterloo, IA from Fort Dodge, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Fort Dodge, IA is about 99.4 miles (159.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 93 miles (149.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 03m 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 01m.
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 Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Fort Dodge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Fort Dodge.
-
1
Start on West 4th Street
23 m · 6 sec · West 4th Street
-
2
Turn right onto Washington Street
117 m · 10 sec · Washington Street
-
3
Turn right onto West 5th Street
1622 ft · 34 sec · West 5th Street
-
4
Continue on West 4th Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · West 4th Street
-
5
Turn slight right onto West Ridgeway Avenue
3073 ft · 1 min · West Ridgeway Avenue
-
6
Turn left onto Sergeant Road
1.3 km · 1 min · Sergeant Road
-
7
Take the ramp left
1428 ft · 36 sec
-
8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
89.4 mi · 1 hr 43 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
9
Take the exit slight right
1724 ft · 49 sec
-
10
Turn right onto Nelson Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Nelson Avenue
-
11
Continue on Quail Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Quail Avenue
-
12
Turn left onto 220th Street
2515 ft · 48 sec · 220th Street
-
13
Continue on Mill Road
1.6 km · 2 min · Mill Road
-
14
Continue on Paragon Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Paragon Avenue
-
15
Continue on South 32nd Street
2798 ft · 1 min · South 32nd Street
-
16
Turn left onto 8th Avenue South
1.6 km · 2 min · 8th Avenue South
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Fort Dodge.
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
89.4 mi · 01h 43m
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.
Sunny leaving Waterloo and Sunny near Fort Dodge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Fort Dodge?
The road trip is about 99.4 miles (159.9 km) and usually takes 02h 01m 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.5 miles from Waterloo and 49.8 miles from Fort Dodge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 93 miles (149.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.24 one way or $26.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waterloo and Sunny near Fort Dodge.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Fort Dodge. Straight-line distance: 92.98 mi (149.63 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 Fort Dodge
City in Iowa
| Population | 23,906 |
| Coordinates | 42.4974700, -94.1680200 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fort Dodge (-94.16802, 42.49747)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 160 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.24 | $26.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.93 | $29.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.34 | $32.67 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.62 | $37.23 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.