How far is Waterloo, IL from Bloomington, IL?
The driving distance from Waterloo, IL to Bloomington, IL is about 180.3 miles (290.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 160.7 miles (258.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 32m 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 46m.
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 Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterloo and Bloomington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo and Bloomington.
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1
Start on West Mill Street
79 m · 17 sec · West Mill Street
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2
Turn left onto North Market Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Market Street
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3
Turn right
9.5 mi · 11 min
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4
Keep slight right to continue on I 255 North, IL 3 North, US 50 East: East Saint Louis, Chicago, Great River Road Illinois North
18.2 mi · 22 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North, I 70 East: Indianapolis, Chicago
1.2 km · 2 min
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6
Merge slight left
8.3 mi · 10 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
107.9 mi · 1 hr 57 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 North: Chicago
29.4 mi · 31 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on South Veterans Parkway
1680 ft · 21 sec · South Veterans Parkway
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10
Continue on South Veterans Parkway
2.1 mi · 3 min · South Veterans Parkway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 51 Business
1386 ft · 40 sec
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12
Turn left onto South Main Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
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13
Continue on South East Street
2717 ft · 1 min · South East Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North East Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterloo and Bloomington.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 55 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
108 mi · 01h 57m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Waterloo and Mostly Sunny near Bloomington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterloo to Bloomington?
The road trip is about 180.3 miles (290.2 km) and usually takes 02h 46m 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?
Farmersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90 miles from Waterloo and 90.3 miles from Bloomington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 160.7 miles (258.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.6 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 12:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.98 one way or $47.97 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Waterloo and Mostly Sunny near Bloomington.
Stop Ideas Near Farmersville
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 Farmersville.
Carlinville
Springfield station
Alton
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterloo and Bloomington. Straight-line distance: 160.75 mi (258.7 km).
#1 Waterloo
City in Illinois
| Population | 10,536 |
| Coordinates | 38.3358900, -90.1498300 |
| Altitude | 216 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Bloomington
The second most populous city in McLean County, Illinois.
| Population | 77,132 |
| Coordinates | 40.4842000, -88.9936900 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
End: North East Street (-88.993738, 40.484193)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 290 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.98 | $47.97 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.05 | $54.10 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.60 | $59.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.73 | $67.47 |
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 Illinois · 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.