Origin
Denver, IA
Late night in Denver on Saturday
Local time
4:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Denver, 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 35m
Distance
128.6 mi
207 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 25m
★
6 AM
2h 36m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 43m
12 PM
2h 41m
3 PM
2h 44m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Denver, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Ankeny, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Planning a trip from Denver, IA, to Ankeny, IA? This 132.1-mile drive takes approximately 2 hours and 6 minutes and is best suited as a single-day excursion. You'll navigate primarily local roads, with no highway stretches, making it a turn-heavy local drive. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $20. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route offers a straightforward way to travel within the Midwest region, connecting two points within Iowa. It's a practical option for a quick hop between towns without the need for an overnight stop.
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
64.3 miles from Denver, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 35m. Total distance: 128.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is characterized by its frequent turns, giving it a distinctly local feel rather than a high-speed interstate experience. With 0% highway share, you'll be on State Street, Larrabee Avenue, and Logan Avenue for the majority of your journey. The absence of long highway stretches means you'll be engaging with the road more actively, making frequent adjustments. While there isn't a recorded 'longest stretch' of uninterrupted driving, expect a continuous series of local road navigation throughout the 2-hour, 6-minute trip.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 20 is the longest continuous segment at about 54.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 20 and I 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 12.1 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 128.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 12.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 13.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
12.1 mi into trip
|
~17m in
Take the ramp toward US 218 north
Navigation decision point
Toward US 218 north
6
13.4 mi into trip
|
~19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IA 27 South, IA 58 South: Hudson, UNI
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward IA 27 South, IA 58 South: Hudson, UNI
5
15.7 mi into trip
|
~23m in
Take the exit toward University Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 183
Toward University Avenue
5
15.9 mi into trip
|
~23m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
76.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 36m in
Take the exit toward I 35 South: Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Denver, IA to Ankeny, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Uni along the way.
Uni
13.4 mi in
|
~19m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 20 | 54.3 mi | 1h 2m |
| I 35 | 49.6 mi | 53m |
| Logan Avenue | 6.9 mi | 8m |
| University Avenue | 5.4 mi | 7m |
| West Airline Highway | 3 mi | 5m |
| East 1st Street | 1.4 mi | 3m |
| Larrabee Avenue | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 1.2 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 20
— 54.3 mi, about 1h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Denver, IA and Ankeny, IA.
1
Start on CR C50
40 ft
·
2 sec
·
West Fayette Street
2
Turn right onto State Street
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
State Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 63
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Larrabee Avenue
4
Continue on US 63
6.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Logan Avenue
5
Turn right onto West Airline Highway
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
West Airline Highway
6
Turn left onto Airport Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
7
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 218 north
8
Merge onto US 218
0.6 mi
·
40 sec
·
Leo P Rooff Expressway
9
Take the exit onto US 218
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
US 218
10
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward IA 27 South, IA 58 South: Hudson, UNI
11
Merge onto IA 27; IA 58
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 183
Toward University Avenue
13
Keep slight right at fork
333 ft
·
8 sec
14
Turn straight onto University Avenue
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
University Avenue
15
Enter roundabout onto University Avenue
124 ft
·
2 sec
·
University Avenue
16
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
University Avenue
17
Continue on Grundy Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Grundy Road
18
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Use the right lane.
19
Merge onto US 20
54 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
US 20
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
Use the slight right lane.
21
Merge onto I 35
50 mi
·
53 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 92
Toward 1st Street
23
Keep slight right at fork
301 ft
·
9 sec
24
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
East 1st Street
25
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
Southwest Walnut Street
26
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
48 ft
·
2 sec
·
Southwest 3rd Street
27
Arrive at destination
Southwest 3rd Street
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 132.1-mile drive, flexibility is key. You can easily complete the trip in under 3 hours, so consider departing mid-morning to avoid early rush hour traffic in either Denver or Ankeny. The estimated fuel cost is $20, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you set off, as there are no designated stops in the data. Keep an eye on your navigation system, as the 'turn-heavy' nature of this route means paying attention to directions is essential to stay on track for Ankeny.
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 64.3 miles from Denver, IA, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.3 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 28 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 64.3 miles or 1h 21m 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 7m
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 Denver, 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 Denver, IA
This is one driving day of about 128.6 miles and 2h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Denver, 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 US 20 for about 54.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 64.3 mi from Denver, IA · 1h 21m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
64 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 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 64.3 miles from Denver, 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
$20.11 one way
$40.21 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
45 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $22.07 | $44.15 |
| premium | $4.89 | $24.75 | $49.50 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $28.39 | $56.79 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45 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 | 38.6 | 0 | $13.50 | $6.17 |
| Efficient EV | 32.2 | 0 | $11.25 | $5.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 51.4 | 0 | $18.00 | $8.23 |
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 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
Late night in Ankeny on Saturday
Local time
4:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°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
23 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
2h 35m 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 Denver, IA to Ankeny, IA covers 128.6 miles and takes about 2h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 20, I 35, Logan Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 64.3 miles from Denver, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.11 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 demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 128.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 12.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 13.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
On the drive from Denver, IA to Ankeny, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Uni along the way.
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 from Denver, IA
More trips to Ankeny, IA
Explore more options from Denver, IA or browse trips ending in Ankeny, IA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.