How far is Waterloo, IA from West Branch, IA?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IA to West Branch, IA is about 91 miles (146.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 76.4 miles (122.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 30m 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 45m.
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 Linn County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and West Branch.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and West Branch.
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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
2.7 mi · 4 min · Washington Street
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3
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
6.5 mi · 8 min
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4
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
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7
Merge slight left
14.6 mi · 16 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward CR X30: West Branch
1292 ft · 39 sec
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9
Turn left onto Baker Avenue
157 m · 10 sec · Baker Avenue
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10
Continue on Parkside Drive
2628 ft · 58 sec · Parkside Drive
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11
Turn left onto Main Street
91 m · 6 sec · Main Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and West Branch.
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
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 01h 12m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Waterloo and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near West Branch.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to West Branch?
The road trip is about 91 miles (146.4 km) and usually takes 01h 45m 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?
Robins is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45.5 miles from Waterloo and 45.5 miles from West Branch.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 76.4 miles (122.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.6 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 3:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.10 one way or $24.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Waterloo and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near West Branch.
Stop Ideas Near Robins
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Robins.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and West Branch. Straight-line distance: 76.36 mi (122.89 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 West Branch
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,519 |
| Coordinates | 41.6714100, -91.3465500 |
| Altitude | 219 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Branch (-91.34655, 41.67141)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 146 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.10 | $24.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.65 | $27.30 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.94 | $29.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.03 | $34.05 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.