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Trip from Fort Dodge, IA to Waterloo, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 2m

Distance

100 mi

161 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 54m ★
6 AM
2h 2m
8 AM
2h 20m
10 AM
2h 9m
12 PM
2h 7m
3 PM
2h 10m
5 PM
2h 19m
8 PM
1h 57m

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 and the county seat of, Webster County, Iowa, United States

Fort Dodge, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States

Waterloo, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 100-mile drive from Fort Dodge, IA, to Waterloo, IA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 2 minutes. Predominantly following US 20 Business, this route offers a highway-focused experience through the heart of the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of around $16, it's an economical option for connecting two Iowa communities. The drive is short enough to allow for flexibility, whether you're heading out early or departing later in the day. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained highways, making for a predictable journey.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

50 miles from Fort Dodge, IA

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

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 2m. Total distance: 100 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive for 90% of this 100-mile journey between Fort Dodge and Waterloo. The main artery, US 20 Business, provides a consistent and uninterrupted stretch of 89.5 miles, allowing you to maintain a steady pace. While the profile is primarily highway, you'll navigate through Sergeant Road and 8th Avenue South at different points, offering slight variations in the immediate surroundings. The overall character is one of efficient travel, designed for covering ground with minimal detours.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 20 Business is the longest continuous segment at about 89.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 20 Business and Sergeant Road. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near South 32nd Street.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Fort Dodge, IA to Waterloo, IA is easy. At 2h 2m with 90% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (South 32nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.7 miles (US 20 Business / Quail Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 5.4 miles (US 20 Business): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 8 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
1 mi into trip | ~2m in | South 32nd Street

At end of road, turn right onto South 32nd Street

Navigation decision point

3
3.7 mi into trip | ~7m in | US 20 Business / Quail Avenue

Turn right onto US 20 Business / Quail Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
5.4 mi into trip | ~10m in | US 20 Business

Take the ramp onto US 20 Business toward US 20 East

Navigation decision point

Toward US 20 East
4
94.9 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in

Take the exit toward US 63: Sergeant Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward US 63: Sergeant Road
5
100 mi into trip | ~2h 2m in | West 4th Street

Turn right onto West 4th Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 20 Business 89.5 mi 1h 43m
Sergeant Road 3.8 mi 5m
8th Avenue South 1 mi 2m
Mill Road 1 mi 1m
Nelson Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
Quail Avenue 0.8 mi 1m
Paragon Avenue 0.7 mi 1m
South 32nd Street 0.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 20 Business — 89.5 mi, about 1h 43m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on 8th Avenue South

1.0 mi · 2 min · 8th Avenue South
2

At end of road, turn right onto South 32nd Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · South 32nd Street
3

Continue on Paragon Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · Paragon Avenue
4

Continue on Mill Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Mill Road
5

Continue on 220th Street

0.5 mi · 51 sec · 220th Street
6

Turn right onto US 20 Business

0.8 mi · 1 min · Quail Avenue
7

Continue on US 20 Business

0.9 mi · 1 min · Nelson Avenue
8

Take the ramp onto US 20 Business

89 mi · 1 hr 43 min · US 20 Business
Toward US 20 East
9

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward US 63: Sergeant Road
10

Turn slight right

120 ft · 6 sec
11

Turn straight onto US 63

3.8 mi · 5 min · Sergeant Road
Use the left lane.
12

Turn right onto US 63

388 ft · 9 sec · University Avenue
13

Turn straight onto US 63

0.3 mi · 45 sec · US 63
14

Turn right

0.1 mi · 10 sec
15

Continue on Washington Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Washington Street
16

Turn right onto West 4th Street

76 ft · 2 sec · West 4th Street
17

Arrive at destination

West 4th Street

Trip Plan

Given its 2-hour duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. You can leave Fort Dodge at your convenience, perhaps aiming for a morning departure to maximize your time in Waterloo, or a mid-day start to avoid peak traffic. The $16 fuel cost is quite reasonable, so plan to fill up before you leave or at a convenient point along US 20 Business if needed. Since the longest stretch without a significant change in road is nearly 90 miles, ensure you're comfortable with the duration before setting off. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; while it's a short trip, it's always wise to be prepared.

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 50 miles from Fort Dodge, IA, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.5 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 22 miles or 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 50 miles or 1h 1m 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 38m

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 Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge, IA

This is one driving day of about 100 miles and 2h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Fort Dodge, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 20 Business for about 89.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 50 mi from Fort Dodge, IA · 1h 1m into the drive

Downtown Eldora, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Eldora, IA

50 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

Eldora, IA to Waterloo, IA

46.9 mi · 1h 3m

Pacing Suggestions

Webster City, IA

Fuel and coffee

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

Eldora, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 50 miles from Fort Dodge, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 20 Business if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.5 miles.

Arriving in Waterloo, IA

The final approach into Waterloo, IA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Waterloo, IA.

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.

Coffee Attic & Book Cellar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 50

Iowa Falls, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+16416486771

Visit website

Love A Latte

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 57.1

Eldora, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+16419397780

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Fort Dodge, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 100

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 21.4

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 21.4

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

1.7 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fort Dodge, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Fort Dodge, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 35.7

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15155160821

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 100

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.63 one way

$31.27 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 35 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $17.17 $34.33
premium $4.89 $19.24 $38.49
diesel $5.61 $22.08 $44.16

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 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30 0 $10.50 $4.80
Efficient EV 25 0 $8.75 $4.00
EV Truck/SUV 40 0 $14.00 $6.40

Gas CO2

35 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (66% 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

Fort Dodge, IA

Afternoon in Fort Dodge on Friday

Local time

2:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waterloo, IA

Afternoon in Waterloo on Friday

Local time

2:23 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

6 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 2m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Fort Dodge, IA to Waterloo, IA covers 100 miles and takes about 2h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 20 Business, Sergeant Road, 8th Avenue South. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 50 miles from Fort Dodge, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.63 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

The drive from Fort Dodge, IA to Waterloo, IA is easy. At 2h 2m with 90% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (South 32nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.7 miles (US 20 Business / Quail Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 5.4 miles (US 20 Business): Navigation decision point.

The route from Fort Dodge, IA to Waterloo, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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