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Trip from Altoona, IA to Waterloo, IA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 13m

Distance

102 mi

164 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 4m ★
6 AM
2h 14m
8 AM
2h 32m
10 AM
2h 20m
12 PM
2h 18m
3 PM
2h 21m
5 PM
2h 31m
8 PM
2h 8m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Polk County, Iowa, United States

Altoona, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States

Waterloo, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 102-mile journey from Altoona, IA to Waterloo, IA is a straightforward, one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes. You'll primarily navigate Northeast Hubbell Road and US 20, with a modest 18% of the drive on highways. The total estimated fuel cost for this route is around $15. It's a practical, local drive that's well-suited for a single day, allowing plenty of flexibility for your schedule. Given its relatively short distance and Midwest region, this route is ideal for a quick excursion without needing an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

51 miles from Altoona, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 4m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Northeast Hubbell Road 33.9 mi 39m
US 20 18 mi 20m
Sanford Avenue 15.9 mi 21m
240th Street 6.3 mi 9m
Marsh Avenue 5.9 mi 8m
N Avenue 4.4 mi 6m
160th Street 4.3 mi 5m
Sergeant Road 3.8 mi 5m
Longest stretch: Northeast Hubbell Road — 33.9 mi, about 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Altoona, IA and Waterloo, IA.

1

Start on 1st Avenue South

1.0 mi · 1 min · 1st Avenue South
2

Enter roundabout onto 1st Avenue North

107 ft · 2 sec · 1st Avenue North
3

Continue on 1st Avenue North

0.6 mi · 1 min · 1st Avenue North
4

Continue on Northeast 72nd Street

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Northeast 72nd Street
5

Continue on Grant Street South

1.3 mi · 2 min · Grant Street South
6

Continue on Grant Street South

135 ft · 7 sec · Grant Street South
7

Turn right onto US 65; IA 330

34 mi · 39 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
8

Turn left onto IA 330

5.9 mi · 8 min · Marsh Avenue
9

Continue on IA 330

1.2 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
10

Continue on IA 330

4.3 mi · 5 min · 160th Street
11

Turn left onto IA 14

16 mi · 21 min · Sanford Avenue
12

Turn right onto IA 14; IA 175

6.3 mi · 9 min · 240th Street
13

Turn left onto M Avenue

1.5 mi · 2 min · M Avenue
14

Continue on County Road T37

1.0 mi · 1 min · County Road T37
15

Turn sharp right onto 210th Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · 210th Street
16

Turn left onto IA 14

4.4 mi · 6 min · N Avenue
17

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 58 sec
Toward US 20 East: Waterloo
18

Merge onto US 20

18 mi · 20 min · US 20
19

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward US 63: Sergeant Road
20

Turn slight right

120 ft · 6 sec
21

Turn straight onto US 63

3.8 mi · 5 min · Sergeant Road
Use the left lane.
22

Turn right onto US 63

388 ft · 9 sec · University Avenue
23

Turn straight onto US 63

0.3 mi · 45 sec · US 63
24

Turn right

0.1 mi · 10 sec
25

Continue on Washington Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Washington Street
26

Turn right onto West 4th Street

76 ft · 2 sec · West 4th Street
27

Arrive at destination

West 4th Street

Trip Plan

With a total duration of just over 2 hours, this route offers great flexibility, making it easy to start at your convenience. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid any early rush and to have ample daylight. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 33.9 miles on Northeast Hubbell Road, so plan any brief stops before or after this segment. The estimated fuel cost of $15 is quite manageable, but it's always wise to ensure your tank is full before departing Altoona. Keep an eye on your GPS for the transitions between Northeast Hubbell Road, US 20, and Sanford Avenue to ensure a smooth continuation of your drive.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 51 miles from Altoona, IA, or about 1h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 33.9 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 22 miles or 27m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 51 miles or 1h 4m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 49m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waterloo, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Altoona, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Altoona, IA

This is one driving day of about 102 miles and 2h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Altoona, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Northeast Hubbell Road for about 33.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city and the county seat of Marshall County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Marshalltown, IA

51 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Colfax, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Marshalltown, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 51 miles from Altoona, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · early in the drive

Melbourne Pub & Pool

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Melbourne, Iowa

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch · 38min in 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 2 pm–2 am

+16414822034

Cafe at the Meadows

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

1.5 mi

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

2.7 mi

Melbourne Pub & Pool

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Melbourne, Iowa

Hours: 2 pm–2 am

+16414822034

Cafe at the Meadows

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15159573539

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Brick Street Cafe, Bondurant, IA

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Bondurant, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15159676174

Visit website

Somewhere In The Middle Coffee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

First break 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Bondurant, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15159678884

Visit website

O J's Diner

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16417544707

The Flying Elbow

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16417583235

Visit website

Wayward Social

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11:30 am–11 pm

+16417524269

Visit website

Most Wanted Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+16417583380

Holy grounds coffee llc

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

The Rhodes Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Rhodes, Iowa

Hours: 2 pm–2 am

+16414932012

Visit website

The Spot

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+16417526014

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 102 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
1 mi into trip | ~1m in | 1st Avenue North

Enter roundabout onto 1st Avenue North

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

4
3.1 mi into trip | ~5m in | US 65; IA 330 / Northeast Hubbell Road

Turn right onto US 65; IA 330 / Northeast Hubbell Road

Navigation decision point

4
64.3 mi into trip | ~1h 22m in | IA 14; IA 175 / 240th Street

Turn right onto IA 14; IA 175 / 240th Street

Navigation decision point

5
73.1 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in | 210th Street

Turn sharp right onto 210th Street

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

5
102 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in | West 4th Street

Turn right onto West 4th Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.95 one way

$31.89 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 36 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $17.51 $35.02
premium $4.89 $19.63 $39.26
diesel $5.61 $22.52 $45.04

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 35.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30.6 0 $10.71 $4.90
Efficient EV 25.5 0 $8.92 $4.08
EV Truck/SUV 40.8 0 $14.28 $6.53

Gas CO2

36 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 13, 2026

Origin

Altoona, IA

Late night in Altoona on Tuesday

Local time

5:35 AM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Partly Sunny

S 17 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 13 at 4:41PM CDT until April 13 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Sioux Falls SD

Tornado Watch

Tornado Watch issued April 13 at 3:13PM CDT until April 13 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

Destination

Waterloo, IA

Late night in Waterloo on Tuesday

Local time

5:35 AM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 16 mph 14% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 13 at 4:41PM CDT until April 13 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Sioux Falls SD

Tornado Watch

Tornado Watch issued April 13 at 3:13PM CDT until April 13 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

4 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 13m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, rather than a continuous highway experience. While only 18% of the trip is on highways, you'll encounter a significant 33.9-mile stretch on Northeast Hubbell Road, offering a longer, uninterrupted segment. The road's personality shifts as you progress, moving from more localized roads to the main arteries like US 20. This blend means you'll experience varied driving conditions, making it more engaging than a pure interstate cruise.

Only 18% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 33.9 mi on Northeast Hubbell Road.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near 1st Avenue North.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 13m drive. You will face about 15 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (1st Avenue North): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 3.1 miles (US 65; IA 330 / Northeast Hubbell Road): Navigation decision point; at 64.3 miles (IA 14; IA 175 / 240th Street): Navigation decision point.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,052 ft 831 ft

Total Climb

329 ft

Total Descent

430 ft

Highest Point

1,052 ft

~58.3 mi in

Elevation Range

221 ft

About the Cities

Arriving in Waterloo, IA

Full guide →

Waterloo is a city of 68,000 people (2020) in of Black Hawk County in Northeast Iowa. It adjoins the city of Cedar Falls. It is home to an important John Deere tractor factory, which offers tours.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 13m. Total distance: 102 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (18%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 33.9 miles on Northeast Hubbell Road. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (1st Avenue North): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 3.1 miles (US 65; IA 330 / Northeast Hubbell Road): Navigation decision point; at 64.3 miles (IA 14; IA 175 / 240th Street): Navigation decision point.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Waterloo, IA before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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