How far is Waterloo, IA from Spencer, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Spencer, IA is about 194.4 miles (312.9 km), with a travel time of about 04h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 148.9 miles (239.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 01m 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 00m.
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 Webster 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 Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Spencer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Spencer.
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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
142.6 mi · 2 hr 45 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake
1974 ft · 57 sec
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10
Turn right
45.2 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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11
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2694 ft · 1 min · 11th Street Southwest
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12
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 54 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
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13
At the end of the road, turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 41 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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14
Turn left onto South Grand Avenue
2631 ft · 2 min · South Grand Avenue
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15
Turn right onto East 4th Street
21 m · 1 sec · East 4th Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Spencer.
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
143 mi · 02h 45m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms near Spencer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Spencer?
The road trip is about 194.4 miles (312.9 km) and usually takes 04h 00m 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?
Otho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.1 miles from Waterloo and 97.4 miles from Spencer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 148.9 miles (239.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.5 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 8:58 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.87 one way or $51.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61 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 Showers And Thunderstorms near Spencer.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Spencer. Straight-line distance: 148.88 mi (239.6 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 Spencer
City in the state of Iowa (United States)
| Population | 10,989 |
| Coordinates | 43.1413600, -95.1444400 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| Country | United States |
End: Spencer (-95.14444, 43.14136)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 313 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.87 | $51.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.18 | $58.35 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.93 | $63.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.39 | $72.77 |
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.