Origin
Avoca, IA
Night in Avoca on Saturday
Local time
11:14 PM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Avoca, IA to Waterloo, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 6m
Distance
204.6 mi
329 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 53m
★
6 AM
4h 6m
8 AM
4h 33m
10 AM
4h 16m
12 PM
4h 13m
3 PM
4h 17m
5 PM
4h 31m
8 PM
3h 59m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Avoca, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Waterloo, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 204.6-mile drive from Avoca, Iowa, to Waterloo, Iowa, is a manageable one-day trip, taking about 4 hours and 6 minutes to complete. The route primarily utilizes I-80 and US-20, offering a straightforward journey through the heart of the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $32, this drive is an economical option for getting between these two Iowa cities. You'll experience a mixed drive, so while much of it is highway, be prepared for some variation. This route is well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
102.3 miles from Avoca, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 101 mi | 1h 50m |
| Northeast Hubbell Road | 35.2 mi | 41m |
| 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 |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 101 mi, about 1h 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Avoca, IA and Waterloo, IA.
1
Start on US 59
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Walnut Street
2
Continue on US 59
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Avoca Lane
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
4
Merge onto I 80
82 mi
·
1 hr 28 min
·
I 80
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
14 mi
·
16 min
·
I 80
Exit 123B
Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
I 80
Use the slight left lane.
7
Take the exit onto US 65
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 65
Exit 142
Toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
Use the slight right lane.
8
Turn left onto US 65; IA 330
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast Hubbell Avenue
9
Continue on US 65; IA 330
35 mi
·
41 min
·
Northeast Hubbell Road
10
Turn left onto IA 330
5.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Marsh Avenue
11
Continue on IA 330
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
12
Continue on IA 330
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
160th Street
13
Turn left onto IA 14
16 mi
·
21 min
·
Sanford Avenue
14
Turn right onto IA 14; IA 175
6.3 mi
·
9 min
·
240th Street
15
Turn left onto M Avenue
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
M Avenue
16
Continue on County Road T37
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road T37
17
Turn sharp right onto 210th Street
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
210th Street
18
Turn left onto IA 14
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
N Avenue
19
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Toward US 20 East: Waterloo
20
Merge onto US 20
18 mi
·
20 min
·
US 20
21
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 63: Sergeant Road
22
Turn slight right
120 ft
·
6 sec
23
Turn straight onto US 63
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Sergeant Road
Use the left lane.
24
Turn right onto US 63
388 ft
·
9 sec
·
University Avenue
25
Turn straight onto US 63
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
US 63
26
Turn right
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
27
Continue on Washington Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Washington Street
28
Turn right onto West 4th Street
76 ft
·
2 sec
·
West 4th Street
29
Arrive at destination
West 4th Street
Trip Plan
For this approximately 4-hour drive, starting earlier in the day is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. With only one planned stop indicated, you can be quite efficient, but be sure to take breaks as needed, especially during the 101-mile stretch on I-80. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; while the estimated cost is $32, it’s always wise to refuel before hitting longer, less populated sections. The mixed nature of the drive means you might encounter more local traffic as you get closer to Waterloo, so allow a little extra time for that.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 102.3 miles from Avoca, IA, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101 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 45 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.3 miles or 1h 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 17m
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 Avoca, 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 Avoca, IA
This is one driving day of about 204.6 miles and 4h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Avoca, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 101 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
102 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.3 miles from Avoca, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 101 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 83.7 and 204.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
83.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 31m in
|
I 80
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 123B
Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, K...
6
98.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 48m in
|
I 80
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
8
102.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
|
US 65
Take the exit onto US 65 toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 142
Toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Ma...
5
175.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
|
210th Street
Turn sharp right onto 210th Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
204.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 6m in
|
West 4th Street
Turn right onto West 4th Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.99 one way
$63.97 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $35.12 | $70.24 |
| premium | $4.89 | $39.37 | $78.75 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $45.17 | $90.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.4 | 0 | $21.48 | $9.82 |
| Efficient EV | 51.2 | 0 | $17.90 | $8.18 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 81.8 | 1 | $28.64 | $13.09 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Destination
Waterloo, IA
Night in Waterloo on Saturday
Local time
11:14 PM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
18 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 6m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
The character of this drive is predominantly a highway experience, with 59% of the journey on interstates and major US routes. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 101 miles on I-80, providing a good opportunity to maintain a steady pace. While the majority is highway driving, the route is classified as a 'mixed drive,' suggesting you'll transition between faster-paced roads and potentially some more local segments as you approach your destination. This blend means you can settle into a rhythm on the open highway but should remain aware of changing road conditions.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 101 mi on I 80.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 17 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 83.7 miles in near I 80.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 204.6 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 83.7 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.1 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.6 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Avoca, IA and Waterloo, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City and Bondurant.
Minneapolis
83.7 mi in
|
~1h 31m
|
via I 80
Kansas City
83.7 mi in
|
~1h 31m
|
via I 80
Bondurant
102.6 mi in
|
~1h 53m
|
via US 65
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 6m. Total distance: 204.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 101 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Waterloo, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 83.7 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.1 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.6 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Waterloo, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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