Origin
Anamosa, IA
Morning in Anamosa on Saturday
Local time
7:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Anamosa, IA to Ankeny, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 48m
Distance
135.9 mi
219 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 38m
★
6 AM
2h 49m
8 AM
3h 11m
10 AM
2h 56m
12 PM
2h 54m
3 PM
2h 58m
5 PM
3h 10m
8 PM
2h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Anamosa, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Ankeny, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Anamosa to Ankeny is 135.9 miles and takes about 2h 48m via Lincoln Highway, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Iowa, traversing the Midwest region. Expect a more local feel to this trip, as much of it utilizes county roads and smaller highways rather than major interstates. Given its relatively short distance and duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing for a relaxed pace.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
67.9 miles from Anamosa, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 48m. Total distance: 135.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (20%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
This route is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive, with only 20% of the journey on highways. You'll navigate through a series of local roads, including stretches of Lincoln Highway and Marshalltown Boulevard. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 37.3 miles on Lincoln Highway, offering a brief period of consistent travel before more frequent turns. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that requires attention to navigation as you transition between different types of roads.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Lincoln Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 37.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near Cemetery Road.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 2h 48m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (Cemetery Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles (CR E34 / South Elm Street): Navigation decision point; at 32.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Cemetery Road
At end of road, turn left onto Cemetery Road
Navigation decision point
4
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
CR E34 / South Elm Street
Turn right onto CR E34 / South Elm Street
Navigation decision point
5
32.1 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Take the exit toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshall...
5
96.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 57m in
Take the exit toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
5
135.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 48m in
|
Southwest 3rd Street
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
Navigation decision point
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Anamosa, IA and Ankeny, IA, road signs point toward Marshalltown and Des Moines.
Marshalltown
32.1 mi in
|
~42m
Des Moines
96.9 mi in
|
~1h 57m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Highway | 37.3 mi | 43m |
| Marshalltown Boulevard | 28.2 mi | 32m |
| 73rd Street | 24.4 mi | 28m |
| IA 100 | 15.2 mi | 18m |
| US 151 | 12.3 mi | 14m |
| Northeast 94th Avenue | 8.5 mi | 13m |
| County Road E34 | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| 16th Avenue Southwest | 2.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Lincoln Highway
— 37.3 mi, about 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Anamosa, IA and Ankeny, IA.
1
Start on CR E28
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
East Main Street
2
Turn left onto CR E34
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
South Elm Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto Cemetery Road
41 ft
·
1 sec
·
Cemetery Road
4
Turn right onto CR E34
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
South Elm Street
5
Continue on CR E34
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
County Road E34
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
1 min
7
Merge onto US 151
11 mi
·
12 min
·
US 151
8
Turn left onto US 151; IA 13
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 151; IA 13
9
Turn right onto IA 100
15 mi
·
18 min
·
IA 100
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown
11
Merge onto US 30; US 218
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
16th Avenue Southwest
12
Continue on US 30; US 218
24 mi
·
28 min
·
73rd Street
13
Continue on US 30
37 mi
·
43 min
·
Lincoln Highway
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
15
Turn left onto IA 330
28 mi
·
32 min
·
Marshalltown Boulevard
16
Turn right onto Northeast 94th Avenue
8.5 mi
·
13 min
·
Northeast 94th Avenue
17
Continue on East 1st Street
1.8 mi
·
4 min
·
East 1st Street
18
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
Southwest Walnut Street
19
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
48 ft
·
2 sec
·
Southwest 3rd Street
20
Arrive at destination
Southwest 3rd Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time under three hours, this route offers considerable flexibility. You can easily depart mid-morning and still arrive with plenty of daylight. Consider leaving Anamosa around 9:00 AM to comfortably reach Ankeny by noon. Since there's only one recommended stop and the longest stretch is under 40 miles, you can choose to stop when convenient, perhaps after completing the 37.3-mile section on Lincoln Highway. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $21, and plan your refueling accordingly, especially before heading into more rural stretches.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 67.9 miles from Anamosa, IA, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.3 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 30 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 67.9 miles or 1h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ankeny, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Anamosa, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Anamosa, IA
This is one driving day of about 135.9 miles and 2h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Anamosa, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Lincoln Highway for about 37.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 67.9 mi from Anamosa, IA · 1h 23m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
68 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 67.9 miles from Anamosa, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Ankeny, IA
The final approach into Ankeny, IA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Ankeny, IA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.25 one way
$42.49 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
48 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.33 | $46.66 |
| premium | $4.89 | $26.15 | $52.31 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.01 | $60.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.8 | 0 | $14.27 | $6.52 |
| Efficient EV | 34 | 0 | $11.89 | $5.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.4 | 0 | $19.03 | $8.70 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Ankeny, IA
Morning in Ankeny on Saturday
Local time
7:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
35°F
Mostly Clear
NW 14 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
48°F
Belle Plaine, IA
68 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
13 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 48m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Anamosa, IA to Ankeny, IA covers 135.9 miles and takes about 2h 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Lincoln Highway, Marshalltown Boulevard, 73rd Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 67.9 miles from Anamosa, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.25 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a straightforward 2h 48m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (Cemetery Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles (CR E34 / South Elm Street): Navigation decision point; at 32.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Anamosa, IA and Ankeny, IA, road signs point toward Marshalltown and Des Moines.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Ankeny, IA
More trips to Ankeny, IA
Explore more options from Anamosa, IA or browse trips ending in Ankeny, IA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.