How far is Waterloo, IA from Rockwell City, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Rockwell City, IA is about 124.2 miles (199.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 117 miles (188.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 57m 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 28m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
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 Rockwell City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Rockwell 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
115.8 mi · 2 hr 14 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Turn left onto Ogden Avenue
2.5 mi · 3 min · Ogden Avenue
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10
Continue on North 1st Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · North 1st Street
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11
Turn right onto Main Street
914 ft · 45 sec · Main Street
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12
Turn left onto 4th Street
58 m · 8 sec · 4th Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Rockwell City.
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
116 mi · 02h 14m
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 Rockwell City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Rockwell City?
The road trip is about 124.2 miles (199.9 km) and usually takes 02h 28m 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?
Williams is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62 miles from Waterloo and 62.3 miles from Rockwell City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 117 miles (188.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.2 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 1:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.52 one way or $33.03 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waterloo and Mostly Sunny near Rockwell City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Rockwell City. Straight-line distance: 117 mi (188.29 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 Rockwell City
City in and county seat of Calhoun County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,082 |
| Coordinates | 42.3952600, -94.6338700 |
| Altitude | 375 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rockwell City (-94.63387, 42.39526)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 200 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.52 | $33.03 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.63 | $37.26 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.38 | $40.77 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.23 | $46.46 |
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 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.