Origin
Ankeny, IA
Afternoon in Ankeny on Sunday
Local time
2:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ankeny, IA to Belle Plaine, IA
Drive Time
1h 43m
Distance
81.9 mi
132 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 36m
★
6 AM
1h 43m
8 AM
1h 59m
10 AM
1h 49m
12 PM
1h 47m
3 PM
1h 49m
5 PM
1h 58m
8 PM
1h 39m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ankeny, IA
András Nyemczovszky
Belle Plaine, IA
Tomás Asurmendi
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick excursion through the Iowa Midwest, the 81.9-mile journey from Ankeny to Belle Plaine is a straightforward trek. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 43 minutes behind the wheel, making this an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. With a fuel budget of approximately $12, it is an economical route that requires no overnight stops. You will navigate via Northeast Hubbell Road, Northeast 94th Avenue, and the Lincoln Highway. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive, it offers a more hands-on experience than a standard interstate commute, so plan your schedule accordingly.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
40.9 miles from Ankeny, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 53m into the drive .
Drive Character
Prepare for a drive that prioritizes local roads over high-speed transit, as only 6% of this trip consists of highway travel. You will spend the vast majority of your time navigating secondary paths, keeping your focus sharp through constant turns. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 37-mile segment on the Lincoln Highway. This is not a monotonous interstate grind; instead, it is a localized experience that demands your attention as you wind your way toward your destination. Expect the road conditions to shift frequently as you transition from the suburban feel of Ankeny into the rural landscape.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 12 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 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Southwest Walnut Street.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Ankeny, IA to Belle Plaine, IA is easy. At 1h 43m with 6% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Southwest Walnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (West 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 38.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Southwest Walnut Street
Turn right onto Southwest Walnut Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West 1st Street
At end of road, turn right onto West 1st Street
Navigation decision point
4
38.4 mi into trip
|
~50m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
3
38.9 mi into trip
|
~51m in
|
US 30 / Lincoln Highway
Merge onto US 30 / Lincoln Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining
4
81.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
|
IA 21 / 7th Avenue
Turn right onto IA 21 / 7th Avenue
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Highway | 37 mi | 42m |
| Northeast Hubbell Road | 28 mi | 32m |
| Northeast 94th Avenue | 8.5 mi | 13m |
| IA 21 | 5.2 mi | 7m |
| West 1st Street | 1.8 mi | 4m |
| 73rd Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Southwest Walnut Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Southwest 3rd Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Lincoln Highway
— 37 mi, about 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny, IA and Belle Plaine, IA.
1
Start on Southwest 3rd Street
48 ft
·
4 sec
·
Southwest 3rd Street
2
Turn right onto Southwest Walnut Street
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Southwest Walnut Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto West 1st Street
1.8 mi
·
4 min
·
West 1st Street
4
Continue on Northeast 94th Avenue
8.5 mi
·
13 min
·
Northeast 94th Avenue
5
Turn left onto US 65; IA 330
28 mi
·
32 min
·
Northeast Hubbell Road
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
7
Merge onto US 30
37 mi
·
42 min
·
Lincoln Highway
8
Continue on US 30
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
73rd Street
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
10
Turn right onto IA 21
5.2 mi
·
7 min
·
IA 21
11
Turn right onto IA 21
45 ft
·
0 sec
·
7th Avenue
12
Arrive at destination
IA 21
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever your schedule allows, though driving during daylight hours is best given the turn-heavy nature of the route. You won't need to plan for formal stops, as the entire 81.9-mile distance is manageable in one go. Keep your gas tank in mind before heading out to ensure you stay within your $12 fuel estimate, as local roads may offer fewer service options than major interstates. A concrete tip for this specific route is to stay vigilant for changing speed limits and signage along the Lincoln Highway. Use the lack of required stops to your advantage by keeping a steady pace throughout the duration of the drive.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 40.9 miles from Ankeny, IA, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37 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 80 miles or 1h 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.9 miles or 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belle Plaine, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ankeny, 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 Ankeny, IA
This is one driving day of about 81.9 miles and 1h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ankeny, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Lincoln Highway for about 37 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 40.9 mi from Ankeny, IA · 53m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
41 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 40.9 miles from Ankeny, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Belle Plaine, IA
The final approach into Belle Plaine, 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 Belle Plaine, 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
$12.44 one way
$24.88 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
29 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $13.71 | $27.43 |
| premium | $4.80 | $15.46 | $30.92 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $18.20 | $36.39 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 24.6 | 0 | $8.60 | $3.93 |
| Efficient EV | 20.5 | 0 | $7.17 | $3.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 32.8 | 0 | $11.47 | $5.24 |
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (66% 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
Belle Plaine, IA
Afternoon in Belle Plaine on Sunday
Local time
2:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
4 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 43m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Ankeny, IA to Belle Plaine, IA covers 81.9 miles and takes about 1h 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Lincoln Highway, Northeast Hubbell Road, Northeast 94th Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 40.9 miles from Ankeny, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.44 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.
The drive from Ankeny, IA to Belle Plaine, IA is easy. At 1h 43m with 6% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Southwest Walnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (West 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 38.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
The route from Ankeny, IA to Belle Plaine, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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