How far is Waterloo, IA from Mediapolis, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Mediapolis, IA is about 142.1 miles (228.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 119.2 miles (191.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 40m 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 50m.
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.
City in Johnson 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
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Mediapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Mediapolis.
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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
95.1 mi · 1 hr 47 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Take the exit slight right
1847 ft · 53 sec
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6
Turn right onto State Highway 92
8.8 mi · 13 min · State Highway 92
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7
Continue on Oak Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Oak Street
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8
Continue on State Highway 92
8.1 mi · 12 min · State Highway 92
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9
Take the ramp right toward US 61 south: Burlington
1456 ft · 36 sec
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10
Merge slight left
18.4 mi · 21 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward County Road H38: Mediapolis
2016 ft · 1 min
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12
Turn left onto Mediapolis Road
1649 ft · 33 sec · Mediapolis Road
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13
Turn straight onto Main Street
1946 ft · 44 sec · Main Street
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14
Turn left onto North Orchard Street
22 m · 3 sec · North Orchard Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Orchard Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Mediapolis.
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
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
95.1 mi · 01h 47m
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 Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Mediapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Mediapolis?
The road trip is about 142.1 miles (228.7 km) and usually takes 02h 50m 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?
North Liberty is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71 miles from Waterloo and 71.1 miles from Mediapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 119.2 miles (191.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.9 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 12:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.89 one way or $37.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.5 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 Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Mediapolis.
Stop Ideas Near North Liberty
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to North Liberty.
Mount Pleasant
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Moline, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Mediapolis. Straight-line distance: 119.23 mi (191.88 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 Mediapolis
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,514 |
| Coordinates | 41.0080900, -91.1640400 |
| Altitude | 235 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mediapolis (-91.16404, 41.00809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 229 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.89 | $37.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.31 | $42.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.32 | $46.63 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.57 | $53.15 |
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.