Origin
Waterloo, IA
Afternoon in Waterloo on Sunday
Local time
4:13 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Waterloo, IA to Davenport, IA
Drive Time
2h 39m
Distance
134.5 mi
216 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 29m
★
6 AM
2h 39m
8 AM
3h 0m
10 AM
2h 47m
12 PM
2h 44m
3 PM
2h 48m
5 PM
2h 59m
8 PM
2h 33m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Waterloo, IA
Tom Fisk
Davenport, IA
Thomas Parker
Trip Overview
Connecting Waterloo to Davenport, this 134.5-mile journey across the Iowa Midwest is an efficient trip that clocks in at approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes. You will primarily navigate a mix of the Avenue of the Saints, I-380, and I-80 to reach your destination. Because the total travel time is under three hours, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, eliminating the need for an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $20 on fuel for the trek, making it a very budget-friendly option for your schedule. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick getaway, the straightforward nature of these roads keeps the planning process simple and stress-free.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
67.2 miles from Waterloo, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition between different types of infrastructure on your way to Davenport. With a highway share of 43%, you will encounter a blend of faster interstate segments and standard roadway travel. Your longest uninterrupted stint behind the wheel will be a 64.7-mile stretch along the Avenue of the Saints, which serves as the primary backbone of your trip. The road personality shifts as you move from the regional flow of the Avenue of the Saints onto the more heavily trafficked I-380 and I-80 corridors. You should be prepared for varying traffic densities as you navigate these different road classifications.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 17 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 64.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.7 miles in near I 380.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 134.5 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 2.7 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.3 miles (I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 74.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
2.7 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids,...
8
9.3 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids
5
74.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 80 East: Davenport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 80 East: Davenport
5
125.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m in
|
US 6
Take the exit onto US 6 toward I 280 East, US 6 East, US 61 South: Rock Island, Moline
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 280 East, US 6 East, US 61 South: Rock...
5
126.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 23m in
|
US 6
Take the exit onto US 6 toward US 6 East, CR F58 West: Kimberly Road, Walcott
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 6 East, CR F58 West: Kimberly Road, W...
Towns Along This Route
Between Waterloo, IA and Davenport, IA, road signs point toward Moline and Walcott.
Moline
125.1 mi in
|
~2h 21m
|
via US 6
Walcott
126.3 mi in
|
~2h 23m
|
via US 6
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Avenue of the Saints | 64.7 mi | 1h 11m |
| I 80 | 49.7 mi | 54m |
| I 380 | 6.5 mi | 7m |
| West Kimberly Road | 3 mi | 4m |
| Washington Street | 2.7 mi | 4m |
| Hickory Grove Road | 2.5 mi | 5m |
| US 6 | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| West Locust Street | 0.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Avenue of the Saints
— 64.7 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterloo, IA and Davenport, IA.
1
Start on West 4th Street
76 ft
·
6 sec
·
West 4th Street
2
Turn right onto Washington Street
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Washington Street
3
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
6.5 mi
·
7 min
·
I 380
Toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
4
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380; IA 27
65 mi
·
1 hr 11 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
Toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids
Use the none lane.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 80
6
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 80 East: Davenport
7
Merge onto I 80
50 mi
·
54 min
·
I 80
8
Take the exit onto US 6
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
US 6
Toward I 280 East, US 6 East, US 61 South: Rock Island, Moline
9
Take the exit onto US 6
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
US 6
Toward US 6 East, CR F58 West: Kimberly Road, Walcott
10
Continue on US 6
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
West Kimberly Road
11
Turn slight right onto Hickory Grove Road
2.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Hickory Grove Road
12
Turn left onto US 6 Hist
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
West Locust Street
13
Turn right onto Gaines Street
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
Gaines Street
14
Turn left onto West 14th Street
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
West 14th Street
15
At end of road, turn right onto US 61 Business
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Harrison Street
16
Turn right onto West 4th Street
165 ft
·
4 sec
·
West 4th Street
17
Arrive at destination
West 4th Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your schedule to depart whenever it best suits your plans. I recommend planning for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs, as the 134.5-mile distance can feel repetitive without a quick break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $20 estimate is based on average consumption, and having a buffer is always wise. Given the mix of major interstates like I-80 and regional highways, stay alert for changing speed limits as you approach urban areas near Davenport. Because your longest stretch is nearly 65 miles, make sure you are comfortable with the pacing of the Avenue of the Saints before you commit to the full route.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 67.2 miles from Waterloo, IA, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.7 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 80 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 67.2 miles or 1h 16m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Davenport, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Waterloo, 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 Waterloo, IA
This is one driving day of about 134.5 miles and 2h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Waterloo, 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 Avenue of the Saints for about 64.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 67.2 mi from Waterloo, IA · 1h 16m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
67 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 67.2 miles from Waterloo, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Avenue of the Saints if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 64.7 miles.
Arriving in Davenport, IA
The final approach into Davenport, 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 Davenport, 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
$20.43 one way
$40.86 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $22.52 | $45.04 |
| premium | $4.80 | $25.39 | $50.78 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $29.88 | $59.76 |
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: 47.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.4 | 0 | $14.12 | $6.46 |
| Efficient EV | 33.6 | 0 | $11.77 | $5.38 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 53.8 | 0 | $18.83 | $8.61 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 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
Davenport, IA
Afternoon in Davenport on Sunday
Local time
4:13 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°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
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
2h 39m 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 Waterloo, IA to Davenport, IA covers 134.5 miles and takes about 2h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Avenue of the Saints, I 80, I 380. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 67.2 miles from Waterloo, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.43 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 134.5 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 2.7 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.3 miles (I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 74.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Between Waterloo, IA and Davenport, IA, road signs point toward Moline and Walcott.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Davenport, IA
More trips to Davenport, IA
Explore more options from Waterloo, IA or browse trips ending in Davenport, IA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.
Explore maps for Waterloo, IA or Davenport, IA on MapSof.net.