Lincoln, Nebraska to Waterloo, Iowa: Road Trip Guide & Distance

253.1 miles 407.4 km · straight line
316.5 miles estimated 509.3 km · driving distance
6h 22min estimated drive time
$30 - $37 estimated fuel cost
~1h 1min flight time
61° ENE bearing direction

How far is Lincoln, Nebraska from Waterloo, Iowa?

The distance from Lincoln, Nebraska to Waterloo, Iowa is 253.1 miles (407.4 km) as the crow flies. Waterloo, Iowa is located ENE of Lincoln, Nebraska. By car, the driving distance is approximately 316.5 miles, taking about 6h 22min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 1min. Both are located in United States — Lincoln, Nebraska in Nebraska 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 Lincoln, Nebraska 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 Lincoln, Nebraska to Waterloo, Iowa

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 6h 22min $30 - $37 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 1min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~7h 38min $25–$47* Budget
Train ~6h 3min $38–$111* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Lincoln, Nebraska & Waterloo, Iowa

Quick Facts

Lincoln, Nebraska
40.81°N, 96.70°W
America/Chicago
362m 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 84 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 21 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 98.4 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients