Lawrence, Kansas to Waterloo, Iowa: Road Trip Guide & Distance

286.5 miles 461.1 km · straight line
358.2 miles estimated 576.4 km · driving distance
7h 12min estimated drive time
$34 - $42 estimated fuel cost
~1h 5min flight time
31° NNE bearing direction

How far is Lawrence, Kansas from Waterloo, Iowa?

The distance from Lawrence, Kansas to Waterloo, Iowa is 286.5 miles (461.1 km) as the crow flies. Waterloo, Iowa is located NNE of Lawrence, Kansas. By car, the driving distance is approximately 358.2 miles, taking about 7h 12min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 5min. Both are located in United States — Lawrence, Kansas in Kansas 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. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Lawrence, Kansas 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.

How to Get from Lawrence, Kansas to Waterloo, Iowa

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 7h 12min $34 - $42 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 5min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~8h 38min $29–$54* Budget
Train ~6h 50min $43–$125* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Lawrence, Kansas & Waterloo, Iowa

Quick Facts

Lawrence, Kansas
38.97°N, 95.24°W
America/Chicago
263m elevation
Waterloo, Iowa
42.49°N, 92.34°W
America/Chicago
261m elevation
Explore more routes from Waterloo, Iowa

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 96 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 24 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 86.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients