How far is Waterloo, IA from Gilbert, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Gilbert, IA is about 93.7 miles (150.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 71.9 miles (115.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 49m 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 54m.
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Gilbert.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Gilbert.
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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
117 m · 10 sec · Washington Street
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3
Turn right onto West 5th Street
1622 ft · 34 sec · West 5th Street
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4
Continue on West 4th Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · West 4th Street
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5
Turn slight right onto West Ridgeway Avenue
3073 ft · 1 min · West Ridgeway Avenue
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6
Turn left onto Sergeant Road
1.3 km · 1 min · Sergeant Road
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7
Take the ramp left
1428 ft · 36 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
61.4 mi · 1 hr 11 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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10
Merge slight left
19.2 mi · 21 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward CR E18: Roland, McCallsburg
1681 ft · 41 sec
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12
Turn right onto 130th Street
2.5 mi · 4 min · 130th Street
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13
Turn left
4.1 mi · 6 min
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14
Turn right onto 170th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · 170th Street
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15
Continue on East Mathews Drive
157 m · 14 sec · East Mathews Drive
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16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Mathews Drive
35 m · 3 sec · Mathews Drive
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17
Exit the roundabout onto Mathews Drive
2644 ft · 1 min · Mathews Drive
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 170th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Gilbert.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
61.4 mi · 01h 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 then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Waterloo and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Gilbert.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Gilbert?
The road trip is about 93.7 miles (150.8 km) and usually takes 01h 54m 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 46.8 miles from Waterloo and 46.9 miles from Gilbert.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 71.9 miles (115.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.8 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 2:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.48 one way or $24.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 29.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Waterloo and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Gilbert.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Gilbert. Straight-line distance: 71.9 mi (115.71 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 Gilbert
City in Story County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,152 |
| Coordinates | 42.1069300, -93.6496600 |
| Altitude | 302 |
| Country | United States |
End: Gilbert (-93.64966, 42.10693)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 151 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.48 | $24.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.08 | $28.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.40 | $30.81 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.56 | $35.11 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.