How far is Waterloo, IA from Rock Rapids, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Rock Rapids, IA is about 284.9 miles (458.5 km), with a travel time of about 05h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 204.2 miles (328.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 53m 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 05h 26m.
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.
Human settlement in Winnebago 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
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Rock Rapids.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Rock Rapids.
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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
121.4 mi · 2 hr 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 West: Sioux Falls
1265 ft · 31 sec
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8
Merge slight left
114.6 mi · 2 hr 3 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward MN 60
1876 ft · 51 sec
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10
Turn right onto MN 60 W
1530 ft · 30 sec · MN 60 W
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
36 m · 7 sec
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12
Exit the roundabout
2636 ft · 53 sec
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13
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Oxford Street
33 m · 6 sec
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14
Exit the rotary
1.2 km · 1 min
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
26 m · 5 sec
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16
Exit the roundabout
5.5 mi · 7 min
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17
Continue straight
5.1 mi · 6 min
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18
Continue straight
4.8 mi · 6 min
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19
Take the exit slight right toward IA 9: Rock Rapids, Spirit Lake
2041 ft · 53 sec
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20
Turn right onto Ia 9th Street
2.3 mi · 3 min · Ia 9th Street
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21
Continue on State Highway 9
19.8 mi · 27 min · State Highway 9
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22
Continue on North 2nd Avenue East
2719 ft · 1 min · North 2nd Avenue East
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23
Continue on 1st Avenue
2595 ft · 1 min · 1st Avenue
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24
Turn left onto South Union Street
1712 ft · 49 sec · South Union Street
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Union Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Rock Rapids.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
121 mi · 02h 17m
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 Rock Rapids.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Rock Rapids?
The road trip is about 284.9 miles (458.5 km) and usually takes 05h 26m 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?
Scarville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 142.2 miles from Waterloo and 142.7 miles from Rock Rapids.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 204.2 miles (328.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 80.7 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 6:06 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.90 one way or $75.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 89.3 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 Rock Rapids.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Rock Rapids. Straight-line distance: 204.26 mi (328.72 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 Rock Rapids
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,518 |
| Coordinates | 43.4271900, -96.1758600 |
| Altitude | 423 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rock Rapids (-96.17586, 43.42719)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 458 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $37.90 | $75.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $42.74 | $85.49 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $46.77 | $93.55 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $53.31 | $106.61 |
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.