Trip from Indiana, IA to Indianola, IA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

49m

Distance

35 mi

56 km

Drive Score

5/10

Practical drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$5

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 12 min

4 AM

0h 45m ★

6 AM

0h 49m

8 AM

0h 57m

10 AM

0h 52m

12 PM

0h 51m

3 PM

0h 52m

5 PM

0h 57m

8 PM

0h 47m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Trip Overview

This straightforward 35-mile journey from Indiana, IA, to Indianola, IA, is easily managed as a day trip, taking approximately 49 minutes to complete. Primarily utilizing IA 5, IA 92, and County Highway G76, this drive offers a quick connection within the Midwest. With a modest estimated fuel cost of just $5, it's an economical option for a short excursion. The route is predominantly highway, making it a convenient and efficient way to travel between these two Iowa communities without needing an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.

Midpoint

17.5 miles from Indiana, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 23m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with a 94% highway share. You'll experience a solid 17.7 miles on IA 5 as the longest uninterrupted stretch, allowing for consistent travel speed. While largely on well-maintained state highways, the inclusion of County Highway G76 suggests a potential for slightly more local road conditions as you approach your destination. This route prioritizes directness over extensive scenic detours, offering a predictable driving experience.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 7 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

IA 5 is the longest continuous segment at about 17.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on IA 5 and IA 92. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in near IA 5.

Route Complexity 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

The drive from Indiana, IA to Indianola, IA is easy. At 49m with 94% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (IA 5): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 8.1 miles (IA 5): Navigation decision point; at 35 miles: Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

3 of 3 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5

2 mi into trip | ~3m in | IA 5

Turn sharp left onto IA 5

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

4

8.1 mi into trip | ~12m in | IA 5

Take the ramp onto IA 5

Navigation decision point

4

35 mi into trip | ~49m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
IA 5	17.7 mi	22m
IA 92	15.2 mi	22m
County Highway G76	2 mi	3m

Longest stretch: IA 5 — 17.7 mi, about 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Indiana, IA and Indianola, IA.

1

Start on CR G76

1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76

2

Continue on CR G76

0.2 mi · 26 sec · County Highway G76

3

Turn sharp left onto IA 5

6.1 mi · 9 min · IA 5

4

Take the ramp onto IA 5

12 mi · 13 min · IA 5

5

Continue on IA 92

15 mi · 22 min · IA 92

6

Turn left

79 ft · 5 sec

7

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given its short 35-mile distance and 49-minute duration, this route offers considerable flexibility. You can depart at your leisure, and with no designated stops, you're free to add brief breaks as needed. The estimated fuel cost is a low $5, so refueling isn't a major concern, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Pay attention to signage as you transition between IA 5, IA 92, and County Highway G76 to ensure you stay on the most direct path to Indianola.

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 17.5 miles from Indiana, IA, or about 23m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 17.7 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 35 miles or 49m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 17.5 miles or 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 41m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Indianola, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Have your navigation ready before leaving Indiana, IA.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Indiana, IA

This is one driving day of about 35 miles and 49m.

At 35 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.

The longest stretch is on IA 5 for about 17.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 17.5 mi from Indiana, IA · 23m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Pleasantville, IA

18 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

Norwalk, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Pleasantville, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 17.5 miles from Indiana, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Indianola, IA

Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Indianola, IA if you are unfamiliar with the area.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$5.47 one way

$10.94 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 12 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$6.01	$12.02
premium	$4.89	$6.74	$13.47
diesel	$5.61	$7.73	$15.46

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$5

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$30–$55

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 12.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	10.5	$3.68	$1.68
Efficient EV	8.8	$3.06	$1.40
EV Truck/SUV	14	$4.90	$2.24

Gas CO2

12 kg

EV CO2

4 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Indiana, IA

Night in Indiana on Wednesday

Local time

11:24 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indianola, IA

Night in Indianola on Wednesday

Local time

11:24 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Pleasantville, IA

18 mi in

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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

49m 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 Indiana, IA to Indianola, IA covers 35 miles and takes about 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are IA 5, IA 92, County Highway G76. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 17.5 miles from Indiana, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.47 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 Indiana, IA to Indianola, IA is easy. At 49m with 94% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (IA 5): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 8.1 miles (IA 5): Navigation decision point; at 35 miles: Navigation decision point.

The route from Indiana, IA to Indianola, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.