How far is Waterloo, IA from Prairie City, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Prairie City, IA is about 104.3 miles (167.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 76.9 miles (123.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 42m 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 21m.
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 Marshall County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Prairie City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Prairie City.
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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
18.4 mi · 21 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 14: Parkersburg, Grundy Center
2083 ft · 59 sec
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10
Turn left onto N Avenue
4.5 mi · 6 min · N Avenue
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11
Turn right onto 210th Street
1.6 km · 1 min · 210th Street
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12
Turn sharp left onto County Road T37
1 mi · 1 min · County Road T37
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13
Continue on M Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · M Avenue
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14
Turn right onto 240th Street
6.3 mi · 9 min · 240th Street
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15
Turn left onto Sanford Avenue
15.9 mi · 22 min · Sanford Avenue
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16
Turn right onto 160th Street
4.3 mi · 6 min · 160th Street
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17
Keep slight left to continue on North Main Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
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18
Continue on Marsh Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Marsh Avenue
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19
Turn right
21 mi · 25 min
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20
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 north, IA 117 south: Colfax, Iowa Falls
1992 ft · 1 min
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21
Turn left
1177 ft · 23 sec
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22
Continue on State Highway 117
11.6 mi · 17 min · State Highway 117
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23
Continue on North Walnut Street
2302 ft · 44 sec · North Walnut Street
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24
Turn left onto East State Street
1.1 km · 1 min · East State Street
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25
Turn right onto South League Road
2151 ft · 36 sec · South League Road
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26
Continue on State Highway 117
4.3 mi · 6 min · State Highway 117
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27
Continue on North State Street
1981 ft · 35 sec · North State Street
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28
Turn right onto East 5th Street
105 m · 15 sec · East 5th Street
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29
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 5th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Prairie City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn right
21 mi · 00h 25m
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 Mostly Sunny near Prairie City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Prairie City?
The road trip is about 104.3 miles (167.9 km) and usually takes 02h 21m 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?
Albion is a useful midpoint, sitting about 52.1 miles from Waterloo and 52.2 miles from Prairie City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 76.9 miles (123.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.4 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 1:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.88 one way or $27.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waterloo and Mostly Sunny near Prairie City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Prairie City. Straight-line distance: 76.84 mi (123.67 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 Prairie City
City in Jasper County, Iowa
| Population | 1,718 |
| Coordinates | 41.5994300, -93.2352100 |
| Altitude | 283 |
| Country | United States |
End: Prairie City (-93.23521, 41.59943)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 168 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.88 | $27.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.65 | $31.30 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.13 | $34.25 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.52 | $39.04 |
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 · Jun 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.