Origin
Hamburg, IA
Late night in Hamburg on Wednesday
Local time
12:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hamburg, IA to Waterloo, IA
Data updated 57 minutes ago
Drive Time
5h 35m
Distance
287.7 mi
463 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
27 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 22m
★
6 AM
5h 35m
8 AM
6h 2m
10 AM
5h 45m
12 PM
5h 42m
3 PM
5h 46m
5 PM
6h 1m
8 PM
5h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hamburg, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Waterloo, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 287.7-mile drive from Hamburg to Waterloo, Iowa, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes. You'll primarily be on the interstate, with about 71% of the journey utilizing major highways like I-80 and I-29. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $45, which is quite reasonable for the distance covered. Given its focus on efficient travel across the Midwest, this route is best suited for those prioritizing getting to their destination smoothly. With only one recommended stop, it's designed for a straightforward journey.
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
143.8 miles from Hamburg, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 5-hour, 35-minute trip. With 71% of the route on interstates, you'll experience a significant amount of time on fast-paced highways. The longest continuous stretch is 137.1 miles, primarily on I-80, meaning you can cover substantial ground without frequent exits. While Northeast Hubbell Road is part of the route, the overall character leans heavily towards efficient interstate travel, making it a predictable but effective way to cross Iowa.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 80 is the longest continuous segment at about 137.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 29. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 47.9 miles in.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 287.7 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 47.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 166.7 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 181.1 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
47.9 mi into trip
|
~52m in
Take the exit toward I 80 East: Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 48A
Toward I 80 East: Des Moines
9
166.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 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
181.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 17m 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
185.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m 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
258.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 57m in
|
210th Street
Turn sharp right onto 210th Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hamburg, IA and Waterloo, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City and Bondurant.
Minneapolis
166.7 mi in
|
~3h
|
via I 80
Kansas City
166.7 mi in
|
~3h
|
via I 80
Bondurant
185.6 mi in
|
~3h 22m
|
via US 65
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 137.1 mi | 2h 28m |
| I 29 | 46.4 mi | 49m |
| 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 |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 137.1 mi, about 2h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hamburg, IA and Waterloo, IA.
1
Start on Main Street
0.3 mi
·
51 sec
·
Main Street
2
Turn right onto IA 333
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
North Street
3
Continue on IA 333
0.6 mi
·
56 sec
·
State Highway 333
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
5
Merge onto I 29
46 mi
·
49 min
·
I 29
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
45 sec
Exit 48A
Toward I 80 East: Des Moines
7
Continue on I 80; US 6
118 mi
·
2 hr 6 min
·
I 80; US 6
Use the straight lane.
8
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.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
I 80
Use the slight left lane.
10
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.
11
Turn left onto 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
To make the most of this 287.7-mile journey, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially if you're traveling on a weekday. The 5-hour, 35-minute duration makes it a solid day trip, but plan for that one suggested stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a major city exit can be over 137 miles on I-80. The $45 fuel estimate is a good baseline, but always have a little extra buffer. Since the route is largely interstate, flexibility with your timing is a key advantage.
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 143.8 miles from Hamburg, IA, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 137.1 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 80 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.8 miles or 2h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 25m
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 Hamburg, 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 Hamburg, IA
This is one driving day of about 287.7 miles and 5h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Hamburg, 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 137.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 143.8 mi from Hamburg, IA · 2h 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
144 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 143.8 miles from Hamburg, 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 137.1 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.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.98 one way
$89.96 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
101 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $49.38 | $98.77 |
| premium | $4.89 | $55.37 | $110.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $63.52 | $127.04 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
27 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Metro Crossing Shopping Center - Tesla Supercharger
Council Bluffs, IA
Tesla
8 DCFC
The Corn Crib - Tesla Supercharger
Shelby, IA
Tesla
8 DCFC
Hy-Vee - Tesla Supercharger
West Des Moines, IA
Tesla
8 DCFC
Fareway Store #106 (Clive, IA)
Clive, IA
Electrify America
6 DCFC
Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs, IA
SHELL_RECHARGE
4 DCFC
Pilot Travel Center 329
Council Bluffs, IA
eVgo Network
4 DCFC
Walmart 1965 (Council Bluffs, IA)
Council Bluffs, IA
Electrify America
4 DCFC
McMullen Ford
Council Bluffs, IA
FORD_CHARGE
4 DCFC
CHARGELAB: 8
ChargePoint Network: 4
Electrify America: 4
Tesla: 3
RED_E: 2
SHELL_RECHARGE: 1
eVgo Network: 1
EV Connect: 1
FORD_CHARGE: 1
Non-Networked: 1
Blink Network: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 86.3 | 1 | $30.21 | $13.81 |
| Efficient EV | 71.9 | 0 | $25.17 | $11.51 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 115.1 | 1 | $40.28 | $18.41 |
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Late night in Waterloo on Wednesday
Local time
12:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
42°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
5h 35m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Hamburg, IA to Waterloo, IA covers 287.7 miles and takes about 5h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, I 29, Northeast Hubbell Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 143.8 miles from Hamburg, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.98 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 287.7 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 47.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 166.7 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 181.1 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Hamburg, IA and Waterloo, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City and Bondurant.
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