How far is Waterloo, IA from Garner, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Garner, IA is about 103.9 miles (167.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 76.5 miles (123.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 11m 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 05m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Garner.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Garner.
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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
-
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
82.5 mi · 1 hr 35 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business, CR B35: Clear Lake, Mason City
1386 ft · 40 sec
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8
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.2 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
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9
Turn right onto South 8th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South 8th Street
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10
Turn left
11.6 mi · 16 min
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11
Turn left onto State Street
1270 ft · 42 sec · State Street
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12
Turn left onto East 3rd Street
21 m · 2 sec · East 3rd Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Garner.
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
82.5 mi · 01h 35m
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 Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny near Garner.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Garner?
The road trip is about 103.9 miles (167.2 km) and usually takes 02h 05m 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?
Charles City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 51.9 miles from Waterloo and 52 miles from Garner.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 76.5 miles (123.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.4 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 2:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.84 one way or $27.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Waterloo and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny near Garner.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Garner. Straight-line distance: 76.47 mi (123.07 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 Garner
Town in Hancock County, Iowa
| Population | 3,031 |
| Coordinates | 43.1024600, -93.6018800 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| Country | United States |
End: Garner (-93.60188, 43.10246)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 167 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.84 | $27.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.61 | $31.22 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.08 | $34.16 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.47 | $38.93 |
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.