How far is Waterloo, IA from Oelwein, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Oelwein, IA is about 34.4 miles (55.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 25.2 miles (40.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 46m 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 53m.
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 Black Hawk 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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Oelwein.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Oelwein.
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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
769 ft · 22 sec · Washington Street
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3
Turn left onto West 6th Street
1.3 km · 2 min · West 6th Street
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4
Turn right onto Walnut Street
759 ft · 15 sec · Walnut Street
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5
Continue on Independence Avenue
5.5 mi · 9 min · Independence Avenue
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward North Raymond Road
66 m · 4 sec · North Raymond Road
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7
Exit the roundabout onto North Raymond Road
5 mi · 7 min · North Raymond Road
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8
Turn right onto East Dunkerton Road
2.5 mi · 3 min · East Dunkerton Road
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9
Continue on West Dunkerton Street
2693 ft · 59 sec · West Dunkerton Street
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10
Turn left onto South Canfield Street
2591 ft · 44 sec · South Canfield Street
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11
Continue on North Canfield Road
4 mi · 6 min · North Canfield Road
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12
Turn straight onto Fairbank Road
4.1 mi · 6 min · Fairbank Road
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13
Continue on 102nd Street
1 mi · 1 min · 102nd Street
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14
Continue on Fairbank Street
1223 ft · 31 sec · Fairbank Street
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15
Turn left onto Walnut Street South
107 m · 8 sec · Walnut Street South
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16
Turn right onto Main Street West
2641 ft · 47 sec · Main Street West
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17
Turn right onto 4th Street South
123 m · 12 sec · 4th Street South
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18
Turn left onto Grove Street
2744 ft · 46 sec · Grove Street
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19
Continue on 102nd Street
1.4 km · 1 min · 102nd Street
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20
Continue on 100th Street
5.7 mi · 9 min · 100th Street
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21
Turn left onto South Frederick Avenue
2.2 mi · 4 min · South Frederick Avenue
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Frederick Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Oelwein.
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.
100th Street
Continue on 100th Street
5.69 mi · 00h 09m
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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Oelwein.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Oelwein?
The road trip is about 34.4 miles (55.3 km) and usually takes 00h 53m 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?
Dunkerton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.1 miles from Waterloo and 17.2 miles from Oelwein.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 25.2 miles (40.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.2 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 4:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.56 one way or $9.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.8 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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Oelwein.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Oelwein. Straight-line distance: 25.16 mi (40.49 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 Oelwein
City in Fayette County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 5,789 |
| Coordinates | 42.6733200, -91.9135000 |
| Altitude | 319 |
| Country | United States |
End: Oelwein (-91.9135, 42.67332)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 55 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.56 | $9.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.15 | $10.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.63 | $11.26 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.42 | $12.84 |
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.