Origin
Fairfield, IA
Late night in Fairfield on Wednesday
Local time
5:34 AM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fairfield, IA to Ankeny, IA
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
2h 25m
Distance
119.9 mi
193 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 16m
★
6 AM
2h 26m
8 AM
2h 45m
10 AM
2h 33m
12 PM
2h 31m
3 PM
2h 34m
5 PM
2h 44m
8 PM
2h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fairfield, IA
Daniel Dorfer
Ankeny, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 119.9-mile drive from Fairfield, IA to Ankeny, IA is a straightforward Midwest journey, easily manageable as a single-day trip with a duration of about 2 hours and 25 minutes. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $18, making it an economical choice. You'll primarily be on US 63 and US 34 before merging onto I-35, offering a highway-focused experience. With no designated stops in the data, this trip is ideal for those who prefer to set their own pace and decide on breaks as needed. It's a practical route for getting between these two Iowa locations without much fuss.
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
59.9 miles from Fairfield, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for 91% of this 119.9-mile journey, with the longest continuous stretch covering 69.4 miles on US 63. This means you'll encounter a good amount of open road and relatively consistent speeds for much of the trip. While the data doesn't specify particular scenic elements, the focus on major highways suggests a route designed for efficient travel rather than winding country lanes. The transition between US 63, US 34, and finally I-35 will likely involve changes in road design and traffic flow as you move towards the more urbanized area around Ankeny.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 63 is the longest continuous segment at about 69.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 63 and US 34. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.1 miles in near US 34 Business.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 119.9 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 3.1 miles (US 34 Business): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 111.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
3.1 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
US 34 Business
Take the ramp onto US 34 Business toward US 34, IA 163 West: Ottumwa
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 34, IA 163 West: Ottumwa
5
109.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 84
Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
7
111.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m in
Take the exit toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 137B
Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
6
113.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 15m in
|
I 35
Merge onto I 35 toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
8
118.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward High Trestle Trail
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward High Trestle Trail
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 63 | 69.4 mi | 1h 20m |
| US 34 | 32.5 mi | 37m |
| I 35 | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| West Burlington Avenue | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| East 1st Street | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| Old US 34 | 1 mi | 1m |
| I 80 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 63
— 69.4 mi, about 1h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield, IA and Ankeny, IA.
1
Start on East Briggs Avenue
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
East Briggs Avenue
2
Turn left onto IA 1
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
North 2nd Street
3
Turn right onto US 34 Business
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
West Burlington Avenue
4
Continue on US 34 Business
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Old US 34
5
Take the ramp onto US 34 Business
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
US 34 Business
Toward US 34, IA 163 West: Ottumwa
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto US 34; IA 163
32 mi
·
37 min
·
US 34; IA 163
7
Continue on US 63; IA 163
69 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
US 63; IA 163
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
9
Merge onto US 65
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
10
Take the exit
1.2 mi
·
1 min
Exit 84
Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
11
Merge onto I 80
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
I 80
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 137B
Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
this road
Exit 137B
Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
14
Continue on this road
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
·
this road
Exit 137B
Toward I-35 North: Minneapolis
15
Merge onto I 35
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
I 35
Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward 1st Street
17
Keep slight left at fork
256 ft
·
8 sec
Toward High Trestle Trail
Use the left lane.
18
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
East 1st Street
19
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
Southwest Walnut Street
20
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
48 ft
·
2 sec
·
Southwest 3rd Street
21
Arrive at destination
Southwest 3rd Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour 25-minute duration and 119.9-mile distance, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. You can depart anytime that suits your schedule, but an early start will allow for a relaxed arrival in Ankeny. With no mandated stops, you have the flexibility to pull over when you need a break or a fuel top-up; the estimated fuel cost is $18. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 69.4-mile stretch on US 63, to ensure you don't need to backtrack for gas. This route is primarily highway, so planning for rest stops on major exits will be straightforward.
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 59.9 miles from Fairfield, IA, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.4 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 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.9 miles or 1h 12m 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 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 Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, IA
This is one driving day of about 119.9 miles and 2h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fairfield, 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 US 63 for about 69.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 59.9 mi from Fairfield, IA · 1h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
60 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 59.9 miles from Fairfield, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 63 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.4 miles.
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
$18.74 one way
$37.49 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $20.58 | $41.16 |
| premium | $4.89 | $23.07 | $46.15 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.47 | $52.94 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36 | 0 | $12.59 | $5.76 |
| Efficient EV | 30 | 0 | $10.49 | $4.80 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48 | 0 | $16.79 | $7.67 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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 Wednesday
Local time
5:34 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
71°F
Indiana, IA
60 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
20 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 25m 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 Fairfield, IA to Ankeny, IA covers 119.9 miles and takes about 2h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 63, US 34, I 35. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 59.9 miles from Fairfield, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.74 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 119.9 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 3.1 miles (US 34 Business): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 111.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Fairfield, IA to Ankeny, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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