Origin
Lake Park, IA
Afternoon in Lake Park on Friday
Local time
2:43 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lake Park, 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
4h 38m
Distance
211.7 mi
341 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 25m
★
6 AM
4h 38m
8 AM
5h 5m
10 AM
4h 48m
12 PM
4h 45m
3 PM
4h 49m
5 PM
5h 4m
8 PM
4h 30m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lake Park, IA
Gatsby Yang
Waterloo, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Lake Park, IA to Waterloo, IA covers 211.7 miles and takes about 4h 38m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 18, State Highway 9, Avenue of the Saints for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 81.7 miles on US 18. At current regular gas prices, budget about $33.10 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
105.9 miles from Lake Park, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 34m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 38m. Total distance: 211.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (74%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
This is a 4h 38m highway drive covering 211.7 miles, with most of the trip on US 18 and State Highway 9. The longest continuous stretch is about 81.7 miles on US 18.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 40 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 18 is the longest continuous segment at about 81.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 18 and State Highway 9. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 88.7 miles in near US 69; IA 9 / 170th Avenue.
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 4h 38m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 88.7 miles (US 69; IA 9 / 170th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 96.4 miles (CR R74 / 225th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 123.3 miles (US 18; IA 27): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
88.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 10m in
|
US 69; IA 9 / 170th Avenue
Turn right onto US 69; IA 9 / 170th Avenue
Navigation decision point
4
96.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m in
|
CR R74 / 225th Avenue
At end of road, turn right onto CR R74 / 225th Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
123.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
|
US 18; IA 27
Take the exit onto US 18; IA 27 toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Cha...
5
211.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 37m in
Take the exit toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers C...
5
211.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 38m in
|
West 4th Street
Turn right onto West 4th 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 Lake Park, IA to Waterloo, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Charles City along the way.
Charles City
123.3 mi in
|
~2h 54m
|
via US 18; IA 27
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 18 | 81.7 mi | 1h 34m |
| State Highway 9 | 56.4 mi | 1h 21m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 12.2 mi | 13m |
| 150th Street | 9 mi | 12m |
| US Highway 169 | 6.4 mi | 8m |
| 430th Street | 6.1 mi | 9m |
| Leo P Rooff Expressway | 5.8 mi | 6m |
| 400th Street | 5.7 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
US 18
— 81.7 mi, about 1h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Park, IA and Waterloo, IA.
1
Start on North Market Street
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
North Market Street
2
Continue on M27
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
135th Avenue
3
Turn left onto IA 9
7.0 mi
·
9 min
·
150th Street
4
Continue on IA 9
4.6 mi
·
7 min
·
State Highway 9
5
Continue on US 71; IA 9
5.5 mi
·
7 min
·
US Highway 71
6
Continue on IA 9
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
150th Street
7
Continue on IA 9
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
1st Avenue
8
Continue on IA 9
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Highway 9
9
Continue on IA 9
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
State Highway 9
10
Continue on IA 9
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
West Central Avenue
11
Continue on IA 9
15 mi
·
22 min
·
State Highway 9
12
Continue on IA 9
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
4th Avenue
13
Continue on IA 9
6.1 mi
·
9 min
·
430th Street
14
Continue on IA 9
0.7 mi
·
58 sec
·
4th Avenue West
15
Continue on IA 9
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 9
16
Continue on US 169; IA 9
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
US Highway 169
17
Continue on IA 9
6.9 mi
·
9 min
·
State Highway 9
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on IA 9
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
1st Avenue West
19
Continue on IA 9
16 mi
·
22 min
·
State Highway 9
20
Turn right onto US 69; IA 9
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
170th Avenue
21
Turn left onto CR A38
5.7 mi
·
7 min
·
400th Street
22
At end of road, turn right onto CR R74
246 ft
·
3 sec
·
225th Avenue
23
Continue on CR R74
5.1 mi
·
7 min
·
230th Avenue
24
Turn left onto IA 9
5.0 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 9
25
Continue on IA 9
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
350th Street
26
Continue on IA 9
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Evergreen Avenue
27
Continue on IA 9
0.5 mi
·
40 sec
·
360th Street
28
Continue on IA 9
0.5 mi
·
38 sec
·
North Street
29
Continue on IA 9
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 9
30
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
31
Merge onto I 35; IA 27
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
32
Take the exit onto US 18; IA 27
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
US 18; IA 27
Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
33
Turn slight right onto US 18; IA 27
81 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
US 18; IA 27
Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
34
Take the exit
317 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 218 south: Waterloo
35
Continue on US 218
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
US 218
Toward US 218 south: Waterloo
36
Merge onto US 218
5.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Leo P Rooff Expressway
37
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
38
Turn straight onto Washington Street
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Washington Street
39
Turn right onto West 4th Street
76 ft
·
2 sec
·
West 4th Street
40
Arrive at destination
West 4th Street
Trip Plan
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 105.9 miles from Lake Park, IA, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 81.7 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 47 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.9 miles or 2h 34m 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 53m
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 Lake Park, 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 Lake Park, IA
This is one driving day of about 211.7 miles and 4h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Lake Park, 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 US 18 for about 81.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 105.9 mi from Lake Park, IA · 2h 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
106 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 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 105.9 miles from Lake Park, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 18 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 81.7 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.10 one way
$66.19 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
74 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $36.34 | $72.68 |
| premium | $4.89 | $40.74 | $81.48 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $46.74 | $93.48 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 63.5 | 0 | $22.23 | $10.16 |
| Efficient EV | 52.9 | 0 | $18.52 | $8.47 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 84.7 | 1 | $29.64 | $13.55 |
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Destination
Waterloo, IA
Afternoon in Waterloo on Friday
Local time
2:43 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Mostly Clear
SSE 8 to 12 mph
0% chance
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
9 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
4h 38m 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 Lake Park, IA to Waterloo, IA covers 211.7 miles and takes about 4h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 18, State Highway 9, Avenue of the Saints. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 105.9 miles from Lake Park, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.10 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 straightforward 4h 38m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 88.7 miles (US 69; IA 9 / 170th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 96.4 miles (CR R74 / 225th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 123.3 miles (US 18; IA 27): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Lake Park, IA to Waterloo, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Charles City along the way.
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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