Origin
Epworth, IA
Afternoon in Epworth on Friday
Local time
12:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Epworth, IA to Ankeny, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 38m
Distance
174.4 mi
281 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 26m
★
6 AM
3h 39m
8 AM
4h 4m
10 AM
3h 47m
12 PM
3h 45m
3 PM
3h 49m
5 PM
4h 2m
8 PM
3h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Epworth, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Ankeny, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 174.4-mile drive from Epworth, IA to Ankeny, IA is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 38 minutes. You'll primarily navigate US 151 and the historic Lincoln Highway. With a fuel cost estimated at $26, this route offers a straightforward journey through the Midwest. The drive is characterized by a mixed profile, suggesting a blend of road types. Given its duration and distance, it's well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing for a relaxed pace without the need for an overnight stop. Plan for a single recommended stop along the way.
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
87.2 miles from Epworth, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 38m. Total distance: 174.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (33%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive with about 33% highway travel. Your longest stretch without a significant road change will be about 39.9 miles on US 151. This route isn't a monotonous interstate cruise; instead, it offers variety as you transition between main roads like US 151, Lincoln Highway, and Marshalltown Boulevard. The drive will likely feel like a classic American road trip, moving from potentially more rural settings in the east to areas closer to urban centers as you approach Ankeny. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 151 is the longest continuous segment at about 39.9 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,042 ft
812 ft
Total Climb
413 ft
Total Descent
462 ft
Highest Point
1,042 ft
Elevation Range
230 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 3h 38m drive. You will face about 16 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 4.1 miles (1st Street Southwest): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
Take the ramp toward US 20 West, US 52 North
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 20 West, US 52 North
5
3.8 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward CR Y13: Farley
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 300
Toward CR Y13: Farley
5
4.1 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
1st Street Southwest
Turn left onto 1st Street Southwest
Navigation decision point
5
70.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m 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
135.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 47m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Epworth, IA and Ankeny, IA, road signs point toward Marshalltown and Des Moines.
Marshalltown
70.7 mi in
|
~1h 32m
Des Moines
135.5 mi in
|
~2h 47m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 151 | 39.9 mi | 46m |
| Lincoln Highway | 37.3 mi | 43m |
| Marshalltown Boulevard | 28.2 mi | 32m |
| 73rd Street | 24.4 mi | 28m |
| IA 100 | 15.2 mi | 18m |
| Farley Road | 10.4 mi | 18m |
| Northeast 94th Avenue | 8.5 mi | 13m |
| US 20 | 3.2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
US 151
— 39.9 mi, about 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Epworth, IA and Ankeny, IA.
1
Start on Center Avenue South
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
·
Center Avenue South
2
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward US 20 West, US 52 North
3
Merge onto US 20; US 52
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
US 20; US 52
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 300
Toward CR Y13: Farley
5
Turn left onto 1st Street Southwest
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
1st Street Southwest
6
Turn right onto Olde Farley Road
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
Olde Farley Road
7
Turn left onto CR Y13
10 mi
·
18 min
·
Farley Road
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
9
Merge onto US 151
39 mi
·
44 min
·
US 151
10
Turn left onto US 151; IA 13
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 151; IA 13
11
Turn right onto IA 100
15 mi
·
18 min
·
IA 100
12
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown
13
Merge onto US 30; US 218
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
16th Avenue Southwest
14
Continue on US 30; US 218
24 mi
·
28 min
·
73rd Street
15
Continue on US 30
37 mi
·
43 min
·
Lincoln Highway
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
17
Turn left onto IA 330
28 mi
·
32 min
·
Marshalltown Boulevard
18
Turn right onto Northeast 94th Avenue
8.5 mi
·
13 min
·
Northeast 94th Avenue
19
Continue on East 1st Street
1.8 mi
·
4 min
·
East 1st Street
20
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
Southwest Walnut Street
21
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
48 ft
·
2 sec
·
Southwest 3rd Street
22
Arrive at destination
Southwest 3rd Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 3-hour, 38-minute journey, consider an early morning departure from Epworth to maximize your daylight. The route has a recommended single stop, so plan for a break around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel if needed. With a fuel cost around $26, it’s an economical trip. Keep an eye out for signage directing you onto Lincoln Highway, as this historic route can offer a different feel than the main federal highways. This drive is flexible enough that you can adjust your timing based on your preferences.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 87.2 miles from Epworth, IA, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 39.9 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 38 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 87.2 miles or 1h 51m 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 56m
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 Epworth, 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 Epworth, IA
This is one driving day of about 174.4 miles and 3h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Epworth, 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 151 for about 39.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 87.2 mi from Epworth, IA · 1h 51m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 87.2 miles from Epworth, 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
$27.27 one way
$54.53 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $29.94 | $59.87 |
| premium | $4.89 | $33.56 | $67.12 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.51 | $77.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.3 | 0 | $18.31 | $8.37 |
| Efficient EV | 43.6 | 0 | $15.26 | $6.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.8 | 0 | $24.42 | $11.16 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Afternoon in Ankeny on Friday
Local time
12:20 PM
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
21 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
3h 38m 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 Epworth, IA to Ankeny, IA covers 174.4 miles and takes about 3h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 151, Lincoln Highway, Marshalltown Boulevard. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 87.2 miles from Epworth, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.27 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
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 3h 38m drive. You will face about 16 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 4.1 miles (1st Street Southwest): Navigation decision point.
Between Epworth, IA and Ankeny, IA, road signs point toward Marshalltown and Des Moines.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 812 ft to 1,042 ft elevation with about 413 ft of total climbing.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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