Galesburg to Waterloo, Iowa: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Galesburg from Waterloo, Iowa?

The distance from Galesburg to Waterloo, Iowa is 147.5 miles (237.3 km) as the crow flies. Waterloo, Iowa is located NW of Galesburg. By car, the driving distance is approximately 184.3 miles, taking about 3h 42min. A direct flight would take roughly 48min. Both are located in United States — Galesburg in Illinois and Waterloo, Iowa in Iowa.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Galesburg and Waterloo, Iowa. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.