How far is Waterloo, IA from Ida Grove, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Ida Grove, IA is about 172.6 miles (277.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 159.9 miles (257.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 54m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 27m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Webster County, Iowa, in the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Ida Grove.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Ida Grove.
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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
155.2 mi · 2 hr 59 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Continue on 160th Street
1.7 mi · 2 min · 160th Street
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10
Turn left onto Market Avenue
8.2 mi · 11 min · Market Avenue
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11
Turn right onto 240th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 240th Street
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12
Turn left onto Keystone Avenue
1198 ft · 31 sec · Keystone Avenue
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13
Turn right onto North Main Street
1584 ft · 1 min · North Main Street
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14
Turn left onto Moorehead Avenue
3278 ft · 2 min · Moorehead Avenue
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15
Turn right onto 2nd Street
34 m · 2 sec · 2nd Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Ida Grove.
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
155 mi · 02h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Waterloo and Mostly Sunny near Ida Grove.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Ida Grove?
The road trip is about 172.6 miles (277.8 km) and usually takes 03h 27m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Duncombe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.1 miles from Waterloo and 86.5 miles from Ida Grove.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 159.9 miles (257.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:06 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.97 one way or $45.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Waterloo and Mostly Sunny near Ida Grove.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Ida Grove. Straight-line distance: 159.9 mi (257.34 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 Ida Grove
City in Ida County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,037 |
| Coordinates | 42.3449900, -95.4716700 |
| Altitude | 376 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ida Grove (-95.47167, 42.34499)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 278 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.97 | $45.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.90 | $51.80 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.34 | $56.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.30 | $64.60 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.