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Trip from Kalona, IA to Waterloo, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 54m

Distance

96.1 mi

155 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 46m ★
6 AM
1h 55m
8 AM
2h 11m
10 AM
2h 0m
12 PM
1h 59m
3 PM
2h 1m
5 PM
2h 10m
8 PM
1h 50m

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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Downtown Kalona, IA, IA

Kalona, IA

Vasilij Zajcev

city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States

Waterloo, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 96.1-mile journey from Kalona, Iowa, to Waterloo, Iowa, is a manageable day trip, estimated to take around 1 hour and 54 minutes. You'll primarily be on the Avenue of the Saints and I-380, with a relatively low 18% of the drive on highways, making it a more local-feeling experience. With a fuel cost estimated at $15, it's an economical option for a quick escape within the Midwest. The route is designed for a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. Consider this a straightforward drive that gets you from point A to point B efficiently.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

48.1 miles from Kalona, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 58m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Avenue of the Saints 76.5 mi 1h 25m
Highway 1 Southwest 13.3 mi 18m
I 380 2.9 mi 4m
State Highway 1 1.1 mi 1m
1st Street 0.7 mi 1m
Washington Street 0.4 mi 1m
East Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
5th Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 76.5 mi, about 1h 25m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on B Avenue

36 ft · 3 sec · B Avenue
2

Turn right onto 5th Street

0.2 mi · 49 sec · 5th Street
3

Turn left onto IA 22

0.4 mi · 35 sec · East Avenue
4

Turn right onto IA 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · 1st Street
5

Continue on IA 1

1.1 mi · 1 min · State Highway 1
6

Continue on IA 1

13 mi · 18 min · Highway 1 Southwest
7

Continue on IA 1

0.2 mi · 19 sec · Highway 1 West
8

Turn left

0.3 mi · 41 sec
9

Merge onto US 218; IA 27

76 mi · 1 hr 25 min · Avenue of the Saints
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

2.9 mi · 4 min · I 380
Toward I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
11

Continue on Washington Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Washington Street
Toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
12

Turn left onto West 4th Street

398 ft · 13 sec · West 4th Street
13

Arrive at destination

West 4th Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of just under two hours, this trip is ideal for a spontaneous outing. You can leave Kalona anytime and still reach Waterloo without feeling rushed. Since there are no designated stops mentioned, you have the flexibility to pull over as needed, perhaps for a quick break or to grab a snack. Keep an eye on your fuel; while the estimated cost is only $15, it’s always wise to start with a full tank. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to the Avenue of the Saints portion, as its length suggests it will be your primary, continuous roadway for a significant part of the drive.

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 48.1 miles from Kalona, IA, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.5 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 21 miles or 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 48.1 miles or 58m 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 33m

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Kalona, IA

This is one driving day of about 96.1 miles and 1h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Kalona, 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 76.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cedar Rapids, IA

48 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

North Liberty, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cedar Rapids, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 48.1 miles from Kalona, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Avenue of the Saints if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 76.5 miles.

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

Tuscan Moon Grill on Fifth

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kalona, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13196563315

Visit website

Cobble Hill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

0.5 mi

Black Sheep Social Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

0.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Kalona Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kalona, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+13196565333

Visit website

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

0.1 mi

Café Saint Pio

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1 mi

Tuscan Moon Grill on Fifth

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $20 to $30

Kalona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13196563315

Visit website

Cobble Hill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour Expensive mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+13193663177

Visit website

Black Sheep Social Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+13192007070

Visit website

Stack Wellness Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13192005558

Visit website

Mikhael's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13193663644

Visit website

Brewhemia

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13193640802

Visit website

Lucky's on 16th

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13192004590

Visit website

CaFé Tacuba

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+13192491773

Visit website

Kalona Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10

Kalona, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+13196565333

Visit website

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13192002791

Visit website

Café Saint Pio

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13192001000

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13192003218

Visit website

Veritas Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+13192083192

Visit website

Roasters Coffeehouse NewBo

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Opus Concert Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13193668203

Visit website

Creamery Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 6.9

Kalona, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–12:30 pm

+13196564220

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 41.2

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 20.6

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 96.1

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 13.7

Iowa City, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 54.9

Center Point, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 48.1

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 27.5

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 20.6

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+31880109500

Visit website

Caramelcorn Shoppe/Smoothie Stop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 20.6

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+13196255568

Field Day Brewing Co.

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 27.5

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+13192082154

Visit website

Barrel House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 20.6

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13196262550

Visit website

Bistro at Blooms

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.1

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2:30 pm

+13194499996

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 6

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 92.7 — 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 | 5th Street

Turn right onto 5th Street

Navigation decision point

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | IA 22 / East Avenue

Turn left onto IA 22 / East Avenue

Navigation decision point

3
15.9 mi into trip | ~22m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

3
16.2 mi into trip | ~23m in | US 218; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

Merge onto US 218; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

Merge point - match speed before joining

6
92.7 mi into trip | ~1h 48m 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

$15.02 one way

$30.05 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 34 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $16.50 $32.99
premium $4.89 $18.49 $36.99
diesel $5.61 $21.22 $42.44

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 33.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.8 0 $10.09 $4.61
Efficient EV 24 0 $8.41 $3.84
EV Truck/SUV 38.4 0 $13.45 $6.15

Gas CO2

34 kg

EV CO2

11 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 18, 2026

Origin

Kalona, IA

Afternoon in Kalona on Saturday

Local time

2:02 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Sunny

NW 15 to 20 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Waterloo, IA

Afternoon in Waterloo on Saturday

Local time

2:02 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

16 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 54m 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 turn-heavy local drive for the majority of this route, rather than a long interstate cruise. While 18% of the journey is on highways, the bulk of it unfolds on more intimate local roads. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 76.5 miles along the Avenue of the Saints, offering a substantial period of consistent travel. This road profile suggests a drive where you'll be navigating more turns and potentially experiencing varied speed limits, making it less of a monotonous highway grind and more of an engaging, albeit not overtly scenic, local route.

Only 18% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 76.5 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 5th Street.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Kalona, IA to Waterloo, IA is easy. At 1h 54m with 18% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (IA 22 / East Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 15.9 miles: Navigation decision point.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 54m. Total distance: 96.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (18%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 76.5 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 (5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (IA 22 / East Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 15.9 miles: 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 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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