How far is Waterloo, IA from Independence, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Independence, IA is about 26.8 miles (43.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 23.2 miles (37.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 07m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 33m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Independence.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Independence.
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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
2.7 mi · 4 min · Washington Street
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3
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
6.5 mi · 8 min
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4
Keep slight left
15.6 mi · 18 min
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5
Take the exit slight right
1719 ft · 42 sec
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6
Turn left onto Jamestown Avenue
99 m · 9 sec · Jamestown Avenue
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7
Continue on 3rd Avenue Southeast
1.4 mi · 2 min · 3rd Avenue Southeast
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8
Turn right onto 1st Street East
647 ft · 15 sec · 1st Street East
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9
Turn right onto 5th Avenue Southeast
13 m · 2 sec · 5th Avenue Southeast
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 5th Avenue Southeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Independence.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I-380 south
Keep slight left
15.6 mi · 00h 18m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Waterloo and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Independence.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Independence?
The road trip is about 26.8 miles (43.1 km) and usually takes 00h 33m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Jesup is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.4 miles from Waterloo and 13.4 miles from Independence.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 23.2 miles (37.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.6 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.54 one way or $7.09 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Waterloo and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Independence.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Independence. Straight-line distance: 23.18 mi (37.3 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 Independence
City in Iowa
| Population | 6,203 |
| Coordinates | 42.4686000, -91.8893400 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
End: Independence (-91.88934, 42.4686)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 43 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.54 | $7.09 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.00 | $8.00 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.37 | $8.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $4.99 | $9.97 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.