Madison, Wisconsin to Waterloo, Iowa: Road Trip Guide & Distance

154.5 miles 248.6 km · straight line
193.1 miles estimated 310.8 km · driving distance
3h 53min estimated drive time
$19 - $23 estimated fuel cost
~49min flight time
256° WSW bearing direction

How far is Madison, Wisconsin from Waterloo, Iowa?

The distance from Madison, Wisconsin to Waterloo, Iowa is 154.5 miles (248.6 km) as the crow flies. Waterloo, Iowa is located WSW of Madison, Wisconsin. By car, the driving distance is approximately 193.1 miles, taking about 3h 53min. A direct flight would take roughly 49min. Both are located in United States — Madison, Wisconsin in Wisconsin 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 Madison, Wisconsin 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 Madison, Wisconsin to Waterloo, Iowa

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 3h 53min $19 - $23 Flexible stops
Fly ~49min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~4h 40min $15–$29* Budget
Train ~3h 41min $23–$68* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Madison, Wisconsin & Waterloo, Iowa

Quick Facts

Madison, Wisconsin
43.07°N, 89.40°W
America/Chicago
266m 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 52 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 13 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 161.2 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients