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Trip from Mechanicsville, 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

1h 34m

Distance

80.5 mi

130 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 21 min
4 AM
1h 28m ★
6 AM
1h 35m
8 AM
1h 49m
10 AM
1h 40m
12 PM
1h 39m
3 PM
1h 41m
5 PM
1h 49m
8 PM
1h 31m

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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human settlement in Cedar County, Iowa, United States of America

Mechanicsville, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States

Waterloo, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are looking to travel from Mechanicsville to Waterloo, Iowa, expect a straightforward 80.6-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes to complete. Because this is a relatively short trip through the Midwest, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can anticipate spending roughly $12 on fuel for the trip, making it a very budget-friendly transit. Since the route relies on local roads like East 1st Street, South Madison Street, and the Lincoln Highway rather than major interstates, you get a more authentic feel for the local landscape. Keep in mind that this is a direct drive without scheduled stops, so plan your own breaks accordingly.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

40.2 miles from Mechanicsville, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 47m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Avenue of the Saints 54.5 mi 1h
Lincoln Highway 21.5 mi 25m
I 380 2.9 mi 4m
Washington Street 0.4 mi 1m
South Madison Street 0.2 mi <1m
East 1st Street 0.2 mi <1m
West 4th Street <0.1 mi <1m
South John Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 54.5 mi, about 1h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on South John Street

44 ft · 7 sec · South John Street
2

Turn left onto CR X40

0.2 mi · 25 sec · East 1st Street
3

Turn left onto CR X40

0.2 mi · 23 sec · South Madison Street
4

Turn right onto US 30

21 mi · 25 min · Lincoln Highway
5

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 380 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids
6

Merge onto I 380; IA 27

54 mi · 1 hr · Avenue of the Saints
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

2.9 mi · 4 min · I 380
Toward I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
8

Continue on Washington Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Washington Street
Toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
9

Turn left onto West 4th Street

398 ft · 13 sec · West 4th Street
10

Arrive at destination

West 4th Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a quick 1 hour and 18-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You won't need to stress about long-haul planning, but it is wise to set aside your $12 fuel budget before heading out from Mechanicsville. Because the route is entirely comprised of local roads and turns, stay alert at intersections and follow signage closely to avoid taking a wrong turn on the Lincoln Highway. If you prefer a smoother experience, try to avoid peak local traffic hours when navigating the turns through South Madison Street. Use the lack of mandatory stops to your advantage by choosing your own preferred spots to pull over and stretch your legs along the way.

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 40.2 miles from Mechanicsville, IA, or about 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.5 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 18 miles or 21m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 40.2 miles or 47m 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 19m

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 Mechanicsville, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Mechanicsville, IA

This is one driving day of about 80.5 miles and 1h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Mechanicsville, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Avenue of the Saints for about 54.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Center Point, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Center Point, IA

40 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.

Popular next leg

Center Point, IA to Waterloo, IA

40.6 mi · 48m

Pacing Suggestions

Marion, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cedar Rapids, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 40.2 miles from Mechanicsville, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Scott's Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.7

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13195504517

Visit website

Mikhael's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.7 mi

Czech Town Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.8 mi

Scott's Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.7

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13195504517

Visit website

Mikhael's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13193663644

Visit website

Czech Town Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13192005776

Visit website

Oscar's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.7

Hiawatha, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13193788885

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 28.7

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193950450

Visit website

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.7

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193936000

Visit website

Paradise Indian Grill - Cedar Rapids

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.7

Hiawatha, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13193182070

Visit website

Cobble Hill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour Expensive mile 23

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+13193663177

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 23

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 28.7

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 80.5

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 40.2

Center Point, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 80.5

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 17.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

+18006360986

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

1.1 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 23

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 77 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | CR X40 / East 1st Street

Turn left onto CR X40 / East 1st Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | CR X40 / South Madison Street

Turn left onto CR X40 / South Madison Street

Navigation decision point

4
0.4 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 30 / Lincoln Highway

Turn right onto US 30 / Lincoln Highway

Navigation decision point

5
21.9 mi into trip | ~26m in

Take the exit toward I 380 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 380 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids
6
77 mi into trip | ~1h 28m in | I 380

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.59 one way

$25.17 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $13.82 $27.64
premium $4.89 $15.49 $30.98
diesel $5.61 $17.77 $35.55

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 28.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 24.2 0 $8.45 $3.86
Efficient EV 20.1 0 $7.04 $3.22
EV Truck/SUV 32.2 0 $11.27 $5.15

Gas CO2

28 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (68% 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 15, 2026

Origin

Mechanicsville, IA

Night in Mechanicsville on Saturday

Local time

9:50 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waterloo, IA

Night in Waterloo on Saturday

Local time

9:50 PM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Center Point, IA

40 mi in

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

3 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

1h 34m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this 80.6-mile trek features a 0% highway share, requiring you to navigate through various local corridors and turns. You will spend your time moving along East 1st Street, South Madison Street, and sections of the Lincoln Highway, which offers a much different pace than high-speed travel. Because there is no single long, uninterrupted stretch, you will constantly be navigating the nuances of the local road network. Expect a rhythmic drive where your focus remains on the road ahead as you transition between these smaller routes.

Only 4% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
10 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 54.5 mi on Avenue of the Saints.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CR X40 / East 1st Street.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Mechanicsville, IA to Waterloo, IA is easy. At 1h 34m with 4% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (CR X40 / East 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (CR X40 / South Madison Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (US 30 / Lincoln Highway): Navigation decision point.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 34m. Total distance: 80.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (4%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 54.5 miles on Avenue of the Saints. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (CR X40 / East 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (CR X40 / South Madison Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (US 30 / Lincoln Highway): 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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