How far is Waterloo, IA from Sheldon, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Sheldon, IA is about 231.2 miles (372.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 184.2 miles (296.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 34m 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 47m.
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 Mostly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Sheldon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Sheldon.
-
1
Start on West 4th Street
23 m · 6 sec · West 4th Street
-
2
Turn right onto Washington Street
117 m · 10 sec · Washington Street
-
3
Turn right onto West 5th Street
1622 ft · 34 sec · West 5th Street
-
4
Continue on West 4th Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · West 4th Street
-
5
Turn slight right onto West Ridgeway Avenue
3073 ft · 1 min · West Ridgeway Avenue
-
6
Turn left onto Sergeant Road
1.3 km · 1 min · Sergeant Road
-
7
Take the ramp left
1428 ft · 36 sec
-
8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
154.1 mi · 2 hr 58 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
9
Turn right onto Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
-
10
Continue on 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
-
11
Turn left onto Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
-
12
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
-
13
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
-
14
Continue on V Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
-
15
Turn left onto State Highway 3
1153 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 3
-
16
Turn straight onto 530th Street
3.1 mi · 4 min · 530th Street
-
17
Turn right onto State Highway 3
4.5 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
-
18
Continue on 500th Street
2.5 mi · 3 min · 500th Street
-
19
Continue on State Highway 3
4.2 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
-
20
Continue on 490th Street
5 mi · 7 min · 490th Street
-
21
Turn right onto Ames Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · Ames Avenue
-
22
Continue on D Avenue
5.7 mi · 8 min · D Avenue
-
23
Continue on Nettle Avenue
5 mi · 7 min · Nettle Avenue
-
24
Turn left onto 460th Street
3.5 mi · 5 min · 460th Street
-
25
Continue on Garfield Street
2590 ft · 1 min · Garfield Street
-
26
Continue on 460th Street
1.6 km · 1 min · 460th Street
-
27
Turn right onto Log Avenue
5.5 mi · 8 min · Log Avenue
-
28
Turn right
7.1 mi · 8 min
-
29
Take the exit slight right toward CR L26, IA 60 Business: 2nd Avenue
1660 ft · 44 sec
-
30
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue
1.5 mi · 3 min · 2nd Avenue
-
31
Turn right onto 9th Street
8 m · 1 sec · 9th Street
-
32
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 9th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Sheldon.
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
154 mi · 02h 58m
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 Mostly Sunny leaving Waterloo and Mostly Cloudy near Sheldon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Sheldon?
The road trip is about 231.2 miles (372.1 km) and usually takes 04h 47m 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 115.4 miles from Waterloo and 115.8 miles from Sheldon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 184.2 miles (296.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 47 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 7:26 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $30.77 one way or $61.54 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 72.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Waterloo and Mostly Cloudy near Sheldon.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Sheldon. Straight-line distance: 184.22 mi (296.48 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 Sheldon
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,071 |
| Coordinates | 43.1810900, -95.8561300 |
| Altitude | 435 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sheldon (-95.85613, 43.18109)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 372 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $30.77 | $61.54 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $34.70 | $69.41 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $37.98 | $75.95 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $43.28 | $86.56 |
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 · May 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.