Trip from Waterloo, IA to Akron, 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 56m

Distance

241.6 mi

389 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 43m ★

6 AM

4h 57m

8 AM

5h 24m

10 AM

5h 6m

12 PM

5h 3m

3 PM

5h 7m

5 PM

5h 22m

8 PM

4h 48m

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 Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States

Waterloo, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city and the county seat of Summit County, Ohio, United States

Akron, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 241.6-mile journey from Waterloo, IA, to Akron, IA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes. You'll spend about 29% of your time on highways, with the Avenue of the Saints offering the longest continuous stretch at 155.2 miles. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $37. Given its Midwest to Midwest context, expect a straightforward drive without significant regional shifts. This route is best suited for those who appreciate a more local driving experience rather than a high-speed interstate cruise, with one recommended stop along the way.

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

120.8 miles from Waterloo, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Avenue of the Saints	155.2 mi	2h 59m
Highway 20	44.1 mi	56m
State Highway 12	16.2 mi	22m
160th Street	6.4 mi	7m
State Highway 3	4.7 mi	6m
I 29	3 mi	3m
Sioux River Road	2.8 mi	3m
West 4th Street	2.4 mi	4m

Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 155.2 mi, about 2h 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on West 4th Street

76 ft · 6 sec · West 4th Street

Turn right onto Washington Street

384 ft · 10 sec · Washington Street

Turn right onto West 5th Street

0.3 mi · 34 sec · West 5th Street

Continue on West 4th Street

2.4 mi · 4 min · West 4th Street

Turn slight right onto West Ridgeway Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Ridgeway Avenue

Turn left onto US 63

0.8 mi · 1 min · Sergeant Road

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Use the left lane.

Merge onto US 20; IA 27

155 mi · 2 hr 59 min · Avenue of the Saints

Continue on US 20

6.4 mi · 7 min · 160th Street

Continue on US 20

1.9 mi · 2 min · United States Highway 20

Continue on US 20

44 mi · 56 min · Highway 20

Use the straight lane.

Turn left onto South Virginia Street

343 ft · 16 sec · South Virginia Street

Toward I 29 Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 39 sec

Toward I 29 North

Merge onto I 29

3.0 mi · 3 min · I 29

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Toward IA 12 North: Riverside Boulevard Use the slight right lane.

Turn right onto IA 12

2.0 mi · 4 min · Riverside Boulevard

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on IA 12

2.8 mi · 3 min · Sioux River Road

Continue on IA 12

15 mi · 21 min · State Highway 12

Continue on IA 12

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Portland Street

Continue on IA 12

0.3 mi · 23 sec · State Highway 12

Continue on IA 3; IA 12

4.7 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3

Continue on IA 12

0.4 mi · 59 sec · State Highway 12

Turn right onto Reed Street

277 ft · 17 sec · Reed Street

Turn left onto North 2nd Street

54 ft · 2 sec · North 2nd Street

Arrive at destination

North 2nd Street

Trip Plan

For this single-day, 241.6-mile drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and allow ample time for your single recommended stop. The total duration is under 5 hours, so you'll have flexibility to adjust your pace. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 155.2-mile stretch on the Avenue of the Saints, as services might be more spread out. The estimated fuel cost of $37 is a helpful budget marker. Given the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, staying alert and following your GPS closely will be key to a smooth arrival in Akron.

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 120.8 miles from Waterloo, IA, or about 2h 22m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 155.2 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 53 miles or 1h 4m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 120.8 miles or 2h 22m 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 55m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Waterloo, 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 Waterloo, IA

This is one driving day of about 241.6 miles and 4h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Waterloo, 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 Avenue of the Saints for about 155.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Alta, IA

121 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

Iowa Falls, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jefferson, IA

Meal break

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 207.1

Sioux City, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 69

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15155160821

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 207.1

Sioux City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 207.1

Sioux City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 241.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Washington Street

Turn right onto Washington Street

Navigation decision point

4.1 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the ramp

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

211.9 mi into trip | ~4h 13m in | South Virginia Street

Turn left onto South Virginia Street toward I 29

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 29

215.3 mi into trip | ~4h 17m in

Take the exit toward IA 12 North: Riverside Boulevard

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward IA 12 North: Riverside Boulevard

241.6 mi into trip | ~4h 56m in | North 2nd Street

Turn left onto North 2nd Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.77 one way

$75.54 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$41.47	$82.94
premium	$4.89	$46.49	$92.99
diesel	$5.61	$53.34	$106.68

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$38

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 84.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	72.5	0	$25.37	$11.60
Efficient EV	60.4	0	$21.14	$9.66
EV Truck/SUV	96.6	1	$33.82	$15.46

Gas CO2

85 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Waterloo, IA

Night in Waterloo on Saturday

Local time

11:14 PM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Akron, IA

Night in Akron on Saturday

Local time

11:14 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°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

19 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

4h 56m 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?

Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate grind. While 29% of the route utilizes highways, much of the journey unfolds on state routes and local roads, offering a more intimate feel of the Iowa landscape. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 155.2 miles on the Avenue of the Saints, providing a good opportunity to settle in. The road's personality shifts as you progress, moving from more open highway sections to more intricate local thoroughfares, demanding your attention throughout the 4-hour and 56-minute drive.

Only 29% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.

25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 155.2 mi on Avenue of the Saints.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Washington Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 241.6 miles you will encounter 12 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: near the start (Washington Street): Navigation decision point; at 4.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 211.9 miles (South Virginia Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 56m. Total distance: 241.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (29%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 155.2 miles on Avenue of the Saints. 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.

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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Akron, 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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Explore more options from Waterloo, IA or browse trips ending in Akron, IA.

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Trip from Waterloo, IA to Akron, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Waterloo, IA

Akron, IA

Same local time

19 degrees cooler at arrival

4h 56m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Akron, IA

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