How far is Waterloo, IA from Northwood, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Northwood, IA is about 103.5 miles (166.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 79.3 miles (127.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 24m 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 12m.
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 Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Northwood.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Northwood.
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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
1910 ft · 44 sec · Washington Street
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3
Continue straight
6.3 mi · 8 min
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4
Take the exit slight right
1309 ft · 32 sec
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5
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
2382 ft · 58 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
68.6 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward CR S56: California Avenue
2392 ft · 1 min
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8
Turn right onto Thrush Avenue
2.4 mi · 4 min · Thrush Avenue
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9
Turn left onto 4th Street Southeast
2.7 mi · 4 min · 4th Street Southeast
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10
Turn slight right onto Maple Drive
2017 ft · 56 sec · Maple Drive
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11
Turn right onto North Kentucky Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · North Kentucky Avenue
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12
Turn left onto 12th Street Northeast
1 mi · 2 min · 12th Street Northeast
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13
Turn right onto North Federal Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · North Federal Avenue
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14
Continue on Osprey Avenue
1.6 mi · 2 min · Osprey Avenue
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15
Turn straight onto Orchid Avenue
10.4 mi · 15 min · Orchid Avenue
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16
Continue on Maple Street
2947 ft · 1 min · Maple Street
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17
Continue on Orchid Avenue
5 mi · 7 min · Orchid Avenue
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18
Continue on South 10th Street
1 mi · 2 min · South 10th Street
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19
Turn left onto Central Avenue
709 ft · 26 sec · Central Avenue
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Northwood.
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
68.6 mi · 01h 19m
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.
Sunny leaving Waterloo and Sunny near Northwood.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Northwood?
The road trip is about 103.5 miles (166.5 km) and usually takes 02h 12m 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?
Charles City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 51.7 miles from Waterloo and 51.8 miles from Northwood.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 79.3 miles (127.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.2 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 2:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.76 one way or $27.53 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waterloo and Sunny near Northwood.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Northwood. Straight-line distance: 79.32 mi (127.65 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 Northwood
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,958 |
| Coordinates | 43.4441200, -93.2210400 |
| Altitude | 375 |
| Country | United States |
End: Northwood (-93.22104, 43.44412)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 167 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.76 | $27.53 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.52 | $31.05 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.99 | $33.97 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.36 | $38.72 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.