How far is Waterloo, IA from Marion, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Marion, IA is about 54.2 miles (87.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49.6 miles (79.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 57m 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 00h 58m.
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 Rain Showers
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Marion.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Marion.
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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 right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
40.7 mi · 44 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100
1286 ft · 31 sec
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6
Keep slight left
802 ft · 20 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on IA 100
1460 ft · 28 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
564 ft · 17 sec
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9
Turn left onto I-380 north, IA 27 north, IA 100 east: Waterloo, Marion
3094 ft · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left onto Collins Road Northeast
1663 ft · 30 sec · Collins Road Northeast
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11
Keep slight right to continue on Collins Road Northeast
1.8 mi · 2 min · Collins Road Northeast
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12
Turn left onto 1st Avenue East
717 ft · 22 sec · 1st Avenue East
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13
Continue on Marion Boulevard
1 km · 1 min · Marion Boulevard
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14
Continue on 7th Avenue
1664 ft · 46 sec · 7th Avenue
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15
Turn left onto 6th Street
96 m · 18 sec · 6th Street
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16
Turn right onto 8th Avenue
1702 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Marion.
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.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
40.7 mi · 00h 44m
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 Rain Showers leaving Waterloo and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Sunny near Marion.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Marion?
The road trip is about 54.2 miles (87.3 km) and usually takes 00h 58m 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?
Brandon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.4 miles from Waterloo and 26.8 miles from Marion.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49.6 miles (79.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.6 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.20 one way or $14.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Waterloo and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Sunny near Marion.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Marion. Straight-line distance: 49.56 mi (79.76 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 Marion
The county seat of Linn County, Iowa.
| Population | 40,780 |
| Coordinates | 42.0341700, -91.5976800 |
| Altitude | 259 |
| Country | United States |
End: 8th Avenue (-91.59768, 42.03419)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.20 | $14.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.12 | $16.25 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.89 | $17.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.13 | $20.26 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.