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Trip from Norwalk, 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 40m

Distance

122.4 mi

197 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Fair

4 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 30m ★
6 AM
2h 40m
8 AM
3h 1m
10 AM
2h 48m
12 PM
2h 45m
3 PM
2h 49m
5 PM
3h 0m
8 PM
2h 34m

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 Warren County and Polk County, Iowa, United States

Norwalk, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States

Waterloo, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 122.4-mile journey from Norwalk to Waterloo, Iowa, is a manageable one-day trip, typically taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes. You'll navigate a route that's about 15% highway, with a significant portion on local roads, suggesting a more turn-heavy experience. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is $19, and with only one recommended stop, it's designed for efficiency. This trip stays within the Midwest region, offering a straightforward drive through the heart of Iowa. It's a good option if you're looking for a relatively short drive with minimal overnight planning required.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

61.2 miles from Norwalk, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Northeast Hubbell Road 35.2 mi 41m
US 20 18 mi 20m
Sanford Avenue 15.9 mi 21m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway 14.5 mi 16m
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: Northeast Hubbell Road — 35.2 mi, about 41m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Main Street

82 ft · 8 sec · Main Street
2

Turn left onto CR G14

1.1 mi · 1 min · North Avenue
3

Continue on County Road G14

1.4 mi · 2 min · County Road G14
4

At end of road, turn left onto CR R63

1.2 mi · 2 min · County Road R63
5

Continue on CR R63

0.4 mi · 48 sec · Southwest 9th Street
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 42 sec
7

Merge onto IA 5

14 mi · 16 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Toward US 6: Hubbell Avenue, Altoona
9

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 41 sec · this road
10

Turn right onto US 6

1.2 mi · 1 min · Hubbell Avenue
11

Continue on US 65; IA 330

1.2 mi · 1 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
12

Continue on US 65; IA 330

35 mi · 41 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
13

Turn left onto IA 330

5.9 mi · 8 min · Marsh Avenue
14

Continue on IA 330

1.2 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
15

Continue on IA 330

4.3 mi · 5 min · 160th Street
16

Turn left onto IA 14

16 mi · 21 min · Sanford Avenue
17

Turn right onto IA 14; IA 175

6.3 mi · 9 min · 240th Street
18

Turn left onto M Avenue

1.5 mi · 2 min · M Avenue
19

Continue on County Road T37

1.0 mi · 1 min · County Road T37
20

Turn sharp right onto 210th Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · 210th Street
21

Turn left onto IA 14

4.4 mi · 6 min · N Avenue
22

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 58 sec
Toward US 20 East: Waterloo
23

Merge onto US 20

18 mi · 20 min · US 20
24

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward US 63: Sergeant Road
25

Turn slight right

120 ft · 6 sec
26

Turn straight onto US 63

3.8 mi · 5 min · Sergeant Road
Use the left lane.
27

Turn right onto US 63

388 ft · 9 sec · University Avenue
28

Turn straight onto US 63

0.3 mi · 45 sec · US 63
29

Turn right

0.1 mi · 10 sec
30

Continue on Washington Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Washington Street
31

Turn right onto West 4th Street

76 ft · 2 sec · West 4th Street
32

Arrive at destination

West 4th Street

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 40-minute duration, this drive is easily accomplished in a single day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Plan for one stop to break up the 122.4 miles, perhaps around the halfway point or where you anticipate needing a break. The estimated fuel cost of $19 is quite economical, but it's always wise to check your fuel gauge before leaving Norwalk. Pay attention to the 'turn-heavy' nature of the route; this means being mindful of your GPS and road signs, especially when transitioning from Northeast Hubbell Road to US 20 and eventually onto Sanford Avenue.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 61.2 miles from Norwalk, IA, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.2 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 27 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61.2 miles or 1h 17m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 11m

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 Norwalk, 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 Norwalk, IA

This is one driving day of about 122.4 miles and 2h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Norwalk, 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 Northeast Hubbell Road for about 35.2 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

61 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

Altoona, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Marshalltown, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 61.2 miles from Norwalk, 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 · first break window

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

Near the start, short detour

First break · 23min in 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Now Or Later Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

2.8 mi

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Now Or Later Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152669777

Visit website

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour Inexpensiv

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152622775

Visit website

Benola’s Pub & Patio

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Early stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Baxter, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16412272080

Visit website

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

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.5 and 122.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
2.5 mi into trip | ~4m in | CR R63 / County Road R63

At end of road, turn left onto CR R63 / County Road R63

Navigation decision point

5
19 mi into trip | ~24m in

Take the exit toward US 6: Hubbell Avenue, Altoona

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

Toward US 6: Hubbell Avenue, Altoona
4
84.6 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in | IA 14; IA 175 / 240th Street

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

Navigation decision point

5
93.5 mi into trip | ~2h 2m in | 210th Street

Turn sharp right onto 210th Street

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

5
122.4 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in | West 4th Street

Turn right onto West 4th Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.14 one way

$38.27 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.01 $42.02
premium $4.89 $23.55 $47.11
diesel $5.61 $27.02 $54.05

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 42.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 36.7 0 $12.85 $5.88
Efficient EV 30.6 0 $10.71 $4.90
EV Truck/SUV 49 0 $17.14 $7.83

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

14 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 14, 2026

Origin

Norwalk, IA

Morning in Norwalk on Tuesday

Local time

7:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 14 mph 31% chance Live forecast

Destination

Waterloo, IA

Morning in Waterloo on Tuesday

Local time

7:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

59°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

25 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 40m 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 drive with a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, meaning you'll likely encounter frequent turns and changes in road type rather than long, straight stretches. While only 15% of the route is on highways, the longest uninterrupted segment you'll experience is 35.2 miles on Northeast Hubbell Road. This suggests a journey that demands your attention as you transition between different road systems. The character of the drive will likely shift as you move from the immediate vicinity of Norwalk onto US 20 and then toward Sanford Avenue in Waterloo.

Only 15% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 35.2 mi on Northeast Hubbell Road.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

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 2.5 miles in near CR R63 / County Road R63.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 40m drive. You will face about 19 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.5 miles (CR R63 / County Road R63): Navigation decision point; at 19 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.6 miles (IA 14; IA 175 / 240th Street): Navigation decision point.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Norwalk, IA to Waterloo, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Altoona along the way.

Altoona

19 mi in | ~24m

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 40m. Total distance: 122.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (15%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 35.2 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 2.5 miles (CR R63 / County Road R63): Navigation decision point; at 19 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.6 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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