$44 Cheap Flights to Waterloo, IL

Flights to Waterloo at a glance

Traveling to Waterloo is easy—select from full-service options or budget-friendly airlines. Compare journey times to find the best flights to Waterloo that align with your budget and schedule, making it simple to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Waterloo: Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)
• Flights per week: 3,150+ flights arriving at Waterloo airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Waterloo: around 40+ carriers

Popular airport near Waterloo

Waterloo is a charming city perfect for outdoor adventures, family getaways, and romantic escapes. Visitors are drawn to its vibrant culture, sports activities, and business opportunities. With convenient access to Waterloo Regional Airport, travelers can easily find the closest airport for their journey to this delightful destination.

• Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL): Situated in St. Louis County, Missouri, approximately 30 miles from Waterloo, this airport offers a wide range of both domestic and international flights. It connects travelers to around 210 cities within the U.S. and 110 international destinations. Passengers have the option to enhance their travel experience by selecting first class, premium economy, or business class service, depending on the airlines and routes. Notable airlines operating here include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta.

Top routes to Waterloo

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Waterloo (STL), with one-way flights starting at around $90
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Waterloo (STL), with one-way flight options from around $60
• Orlando (MCO) to Waterloo (STL), with one-way flights starting at around $45
• Denver (DEN) to Waterloo (STL), with one-way flight options from around $45
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Waterloo (STL), with one-way flights starting at around $120

Cheapest routes to Waterloo

• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Waterloo (STL), with affordable one-way prices from around $40
• Kansas City (MCI) to Waterloo (STL), with budget one-way fares from around $40
• Quincy (UIN) to Waterloo (STL), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $40
• Orlando (MCO) to Waterloo (STL), with low one-way fares from around $45
• Denver (DEN) to Waterloo (STL), with cheap one-way fares from around $45

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Waterloo

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), this carrier represents roughly 28% of arrivals in Waterloo. The typical one-way fare is around $330, with some routes offering first-class seating as a premium option.
• Southwest Airlines: Also flying into Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), Southwest Airlines accounts for approximately 27% of arrivals to Waterloo. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of about $240.
• Delta: Providing service to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), Delta makes up around 20% of the arrivals in Waterloo. The average one-way fare is roughly $290, with options for premium economy and first-class service depending on the route.
• United: Flying to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), United contributes about 15% of arrivals to Waterloo. Average one-way fares are around $320, and some routes may feature first-class service as a premium choice.
• Frontier Airlines: Serving routes to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), Frontier Airlines accounts for nearly 5% of the arrivals in Waterloo. The average fare for a one-way ticket is approximately $150, making it a budget-friendly option.

Best time to fly to Waterloo

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Waterloo are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Waterloo can reach up to 55.8°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 70.3°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $222), roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October, May, and August offer average one-way fares of around $230, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Waterloo

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Waterloo is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Waterloo flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Waterloo

Waterloo welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Waterloo efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, Lambert Main Terminal Station, a metro station, is conveniently located just 0.1 miles away by walking, making it easily accessible for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Waterloo, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Waterloo is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Waterloo on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Waterloo

• Imperial: Located 31 miles drive away from Waterloo, Imperial is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Families can enjoy an adventure at the local amusement park or take part in fun activities at the arcade adventure zone. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby national state park and historic sites, such as the Mastodon State Historic Site and the Kimmswick Historical Society Museum, which offer a blend of culture and history for travelers to explore.
• Belleville: Belleville is located 21 miles drive away from Waterloo and is ideal for those seeking a vibrant city experience. Outdoor activities abound in its urban parks and by the lakeside, while the Enterprise Center provides arena entertainment for sports fans. Visitors can also delve into local history at the St. Clair County Historical Society or marvel at the Gateway Arch, a stunning monument that captures the spirit of the region.
• Arnold: Just 25 miles drive away from Waterloo, Arnold offers a mix of family-friendly activities and outdoor pursuits. Adventure seekers can explore Route 66 State Park, while children will love the Magic House - St. Louis Children's Museum. For a taste of local history, stop by the Arnold Historical Society & Museum. With its theme parks and event venues, Arnold is a great destination for those looking to combine relaxation with excitement.

Tips for short-haul flights to Waterloo

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Optimize your packing by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating your outfits effectively. This strategy also allows you to avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment options. To stay engaged, download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts beforehand, and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into consideration traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Waterloo

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide earlier seat selection options.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to reach the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to ensure you have enough time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Waterloo

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Waterloo on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

December is the cheapest month to fly to Waterloo. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Waterloo. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Waterloo, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Waterloo

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Waterloo in 2026 starts from $68, while one-way tickets start from from $44. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Waterloo. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Waterloo

Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Waterloo. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Waterloo and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Waterloo, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Waterloo. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Waterloo plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Waterloo

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Waterloo.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Waterloo are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Waterloo. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Waterloo for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Waterloo. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Waterloo flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Waterloo. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.