How far is Waterloo, IA from Story City, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to Story City, IA is about 85.4 miles (137.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 67.4 miles (108.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 23m 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 01h 41m.
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.
Human settlement in Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Story City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Story 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
61.4 mi · 1 hr 11 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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10
Merge slight left
17.7 mi · 19 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Story City
1700 ft · 43 sec
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12
Turn right onto Broad Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · Broad Street
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13
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
16 m · 2 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Story City.
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
61.4 mi · 01h 11m
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 Sunny near Story City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Story City?
The road trip is about 85.4 miles (137.4 km) and usually takes 01h 41m 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?
Steamboat Rock is a useful midpoint, sitting about 42.6 miles from Waterloo and 42.8 miles from Story City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 67.4 miles (108.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 18 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 3:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.35 one way or $22.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waterloo and Sunny near Story City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Story City. Straight-line distance: 67.38 mi (108.43 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 Story City
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,320 |
| Coordinates | 42.1872100, -93.5957700 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: Story City (-93.59577, 42.18721)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 137 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.35 | $22.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.80 | $25.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.01 | $28.02 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.97 | $31.93 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.