How far is Waterloo, IA from Onawa, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Onawa, IA is about 217.5 miles (350.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 194.7 miles (313.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 58m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 29m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Onawa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Onawa.
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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
117 m · 10 sec · Washington Street
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3
Turn right onto West 5th Street
1622 ft · 34 sec · West 5th Street
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4
Continue on West 4th Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · West 4th Street
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5
Turn slight right onto West Ridgeway Avenue
3073 ft · 1 min · West Ridgeway Avenue
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6
Turn left onto Sergeant Road
1.3 km · 1 min · Sergeant Road
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7
Take the ramp left
1428 ft · 36 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
155.2 mi · 2 hr 59 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Continue on 160th Street
6.4 mi · 7 min · 160th Street
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10
Continue on United States Highway 20
1.9 mi · 3 min · United States Highway 20
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11
Continue on Highway 20
1.3 mi · 2 min · Highway 20
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12
Turn left onto Eagle Avenue
10.1 mi · 14 min · Eagle Avenue
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13
At the end of the road, turn right onto State Highway 175
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 175
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14
Continue on 1st Street
1.5 km · 2 min · 1st Street
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15
Continue on State Highway 175
14.4 mi · 20 min · State Highway 175
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16
At the end of the road, turn left onto North 4th Street
2716 ft · 1 min · North 4th Street
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17
Turn right onto Heisler Street
126 m · 18 sec · Heisler Street
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18
Continue on North Front Street
130 m · 19 sec · North Front Street
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19
Continue on State Highway 175
8.2 mi · 12 min · State Highway 175
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20
Continue on 1st Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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21
Continue on State Highway 175
4.2 mi · 6 min · State Highway 175
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22
Continue on State Highway 175
6.8 mi · 9 min · State Highway 175
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23
Continue on Iowa Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · Iowa Avenue
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24
Turn left onto 10th Street
9 m · 1 sec · 10th Street
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 10th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Onawa.
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
155 mi · 02h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Waterloo and Chance Rain Showers near Onawa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Onawa?
The road trip is about 217.5 miles (350.1 km) and usually takes 04h 29m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 108.5 miles from Waterloo and 109 miles from Onawa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 194.7 miles (313.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:02 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.92 one way or $57.85 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 68.2 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 Chance Rain Showers near Onawa.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Onawa. Straight-line distance: 194.64 mi (313.25 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 Onawa
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,766 |
| Coordinates | 42.0266500, -96.0972400 |
| Altitude | 320 |
| Country | United States |
End: Onawa (-96.09724, 42.02665)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 350 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $28.92 | $57.85 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $32.62 | $65.24 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $35.70 | $71.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $40.68 | $81.36 |
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.