Trip from Mount Pleasant, 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

2h 29m

Distance

127.8 mi

206 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min

4 AM

2h 20m ★

6 AM

2h 30m

8 AM

2h 50m

10 AM

2h 37m

12 PM

2h 35m

3 PM

2h 38m

5 PM

2h 49m

8 PM

2h 24m

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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Trip Overview

The drive from Mount Pleasant, IA to Waterloo, IA covers 127.8 miles and takes about 2h 29m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Avenue of the Saints, I 380, Iowa Avenue for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 120.9 miles on Avenue of the Saints. At current regular gas prices, budget about $19.98 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

63.9 miles from Mount Pleasant, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 29m. Total distance: 127.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (2%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile.

Drive Character

Expect a 2h 29m drive with frequent turns across 127.8 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 10 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Avenue of the Saints is the longest continuous segment at about 120.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 West Warren Street.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Mount Pleasant, IA to Waterloo, IA is easy. At 2h 29m with 2% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Warren Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (South Jefferson Street): Navigation decision point; at 124.3 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

4 of 4 key points

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

5

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | West Warren Street

Turn right onto West Warren Street

Navigation decision point

4

0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | South Jefferson Street

Turn left onto South Jefferson Street

Navigation decision point

6

124.3 mi into trip | ~2h 23m 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

3

127.7 mi into trip | ~2h 29m in | West 4th Street

Turn left onto West 4th Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Avenue of the Saints	120.9 mi	2h 16m
I 380	2.9 mi	4m
Iowa Avenue	1.5 mi	2m
North Broadway Street	1.3 mi	3m
South Jefferson Street	0.4 mi	1m
Washington Street	0.4 mi	1m
West Warren Street	0.1 mi	<1m
West 4th Street	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 120.9 mi, about 2h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on South White Street

58 ft · 4 sec · South White Street

2

Turn right onto West Warren Street

0.1 mi · 38 sec · West Warren Street

3

Turn left onto South Jefferson Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Jefferson Street

4

Continue on North Broadway Street

1.3 mi · 3 min · North Broadway Street

5

Continue on Iowa Avenue

1.5 mi · 2 min · Iowa Avenue

6

Turn left onto US 218; IA 27

121 mi · 2 hr 16 min · Avenue of the Saints

7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

2.9 mi · 4 min · I 380

Toward I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo

8

Continue on Washington Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Washington Street

Toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers Convention Center

9

Turn left onto West 4th Street

398 ft · 13 sec · West 4th Street

10

Arrive at destination

West 4th Street

Trip Plan

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 63.9 miles from Mount Pleasant, IA, or about 1h 15m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 120.9 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 28 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 63.9 miles or 1h 15m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 1m

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 Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant, IA

This is one driving day of about 127.8 miles and 2h 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Mount Pleasant, 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 120.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 63.9 mi from Mount Pleasant, IA · 1h 15m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cedar Rapids, IA

64 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 City, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cedar Rapids, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.9 miles from Mount Pleasant, 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 120.9 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Cobble Hill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Expensive mile 73

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+13193663177

Visit website

Pad Thai Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mt Pleasant, Iowa

0.3 mi

Mikhael's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1 mi

Cobble Hill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Expensive mile 73

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+13193663177

Visit website

Pad Thai Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Mt Pleasant, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–1:30 pm

+13193858520

Visit website

Mikhael's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13193663644

Visit website

Czech Town Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13192005776

Visit website

Tommy's West Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+13193963045

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 54.8

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13195453131

Visit website

Culver’s

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 54.8

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+13195458255

Visit website

Steak 'n Shake

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 54.8

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+13198006117

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 73

Cedar Rapids, 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 127.8

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Regular Gas

$19.98 one way

$39.96 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$21.94	$43.87
premium	$4.89	$24.59	$49.19
diesel	$5.61	$28.22	$56.43

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	38.3	$13.42	$6.13
Efficient EV	32	$11.18	$5.11
EV Truck/SUV	51.1	$17.89	$8.18

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (67% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Mount Pleasant, IA

Late night in Mount Pleasant on Saturday

Local time

4:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waterloo, IA

Late night in Waterloo on Saturday

Local time

4:21 AM

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 29m 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 Mount Pleasant, IA to Waterloo, IA covers 127.8 miles and takes about 2h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Avenue of the Saints, I 380, Iowa Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 63.9 miles from Mount Pleasant, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.98 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 Mount Pleasant, IA to Waterloo, IA is easy. At 2h 29m with 2% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Warren Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (South Jefferson Street): Navigation decision point; at 124.3 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

The route from Mount Pleasant, 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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Trip from Mount Pleasant, IA to Waterloo, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Waterloo, IA

Nearby Places

Cobble Hill

Cobble Hill

Pad Thai Restaurant

Mikhael's

Czech Town Station

Tommy's West Restaurant

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Culver’s

Steak 'n Shake

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Mount Pleasant, IA

Waterloo, IA

Same local time

6 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 29m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip from Mount Pleasant, IA to Waterloo, IA?

What are the main roads on this route?

Is this a good same-day trip?

Where should I stop halfway?

How much does gas cost for this trip?

What is the best time to leave?

How hard is the drive from Mount Pleasant, IA to Waterloo, IA?

Where does this route get tricky?

What towns show up on signs driving from Mount Pleasant, IA to Waterloo, IA?

How this page is built

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