Origin
Indiana, IA
Late night in Indiana on Wednesday
Local time
12:41 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Indiana, IA to Oakland, IA
Data updated 26 minutes ago
Drive Time
3h 2m
Distance
154.2 mi
248 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 51m
★
6 AM
3h 2m
8 AM
3h 25m
10 AM
3h 10m
12 PM
3h 8m
3 PM
3h 12m
5 PM
3h 24m
8 PM
2h 56m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Indiana, IA
Kelly
Oakland, IA
Robert So
Trip Overview
This 154.2-mile drive from Indiana, IA, to Oakland, IA, is a straightforward journey primarily along I-80 and State Highway 5. Expect to spend around 3 hours and 2 minutes on the road, making it an ideal day trip within the Midwest. The estimated fuel cost for this route is about $24. With 89% of the drive on highways, it's a focused trip designed for efficient travel. You'll encounter one planned stop, and the longest continuous stretch is 82 miles on I-80. This route offers a practical way to connect two points within Iowa.
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
77.1 miles from Indiana, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 89% of the mileage spent on interstates and state highways. You'll navigate stretches of I-80, experiencing the efficiency of major roadways, and also utilize State Highway 5. The longest uninterrupted segment covers 82 miles on I-80, allowing for a sustained period of steady driving. While the profile suggests a highway-centric experience, keep an eye out for any changes in road type as you transition between I-80 and IA 5. This route prioritizes directness over varied terrain.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 80 is the longest continuous segment at about 82 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and State Highway 5. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in near IA 5.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 154.2 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (IA 5): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 38.4 miles (US 65; IA 5 / Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese 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
5
38.4 mi into trip
|
~47m in
|
US 65; IA 5 / Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Merge onto US 65; IA 5 / Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
50.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
5
51.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
|
I 35
Merge onto I 35
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
55.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
|
Ramp 72 J
Take the exit onto Ramp 72 J toward I 80 west: Council Bluffs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 72B
Toward I 80 west: Council Bluffs
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 Indiana, IA to Oakland, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Harlan along the way.
Harlan
138.9 mi in
|
~2h 38m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 82 mi | 1h 27m |
| State Highway 5 | 19.2 mi | 22m |
| IA 5 | 17 mi | 21m |
| US 59 | 14 mi | 20m |
| Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway | 12.3 mi | 14m |
| I 35 | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| County Highway G76 | 2 mi | 3m |
| US 6 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 82 mi, about 1h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Indiana, IA and Oakland, 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
11 mi
·
12 min
·
IA 5
5
Turn right
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
6
Continue on IA 5
19 mi
·
22 min
·
State Highway 5
7
Merge onto US 65; IA 5
12 mi
·
14 min
·
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
9
Merge onto I 35
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit onto Ramp 72 J
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Ramp 72 J
Exit 72B
Toward I 80 west: Council Bluffs
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 235
0.5 mi
·
40 sec
·
John MacVicar Freeway
12
Merge onto I 80
82 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward US 59: Avoca, Harlan
14
Turn straight onto US 59
14 mi
·
20 min
·
US 59
15
Turn right onto US 6; US 59
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
US 6; US 59
16
Turn left onto North Kearney Street
369 ft
·
16 sec
·
North Kearney Street
17
Turn right onto Oakland Avenue
111 ft
·
4 sec
·
Oakland Avenue
18
Arrive at destination
Oakland Avenue
Trip Plan
Given its 3-hour duration, this drive is perfectly suited for a single day. You can depart in the morning and arrive at your destination with plenty of daylight remaining. The single recommended stop is a good opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel. With a fuel cost estimated at $24, budgeting is simple. Since the longest stretch is 82 miles on I-80, plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly, perhaps around the midpoint of that segment. The flexibility of a shorter drive means you can depart on your schedule.
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 77.1 miles from Indiana, IA, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82 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 77.1 miles or 1h 32m 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Oakland, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Indiana, 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 Indiana, IA
This is one driving day of about 154.2 miles and 3h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Indiana, 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 I 80 for about 82 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 77.1 mi from Indiana, IA · 1h 32m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
77 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 77.1 miles from Indiana, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82 miles.
Arriving in Oakland, IA
The final approach into Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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
$24.11 one way
$48.21 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.47 | $52.94 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.67 | $59.35 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.05 | $68.09 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.3 | 0 | $16.19 | $7.40 |
| Efficient EV | 38.6 | 0 | $13.49 | $6.17 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61.7 | 0 | $21.59 | $9.87 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Oakland, IA
Late night in Oakland on Wednesday
Local time
12:41 AM
CDT
Current temp
49°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
22 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 2m 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 Oakland, IA covers 154.2 miles and takes about 3h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, State Highway 5, IA 5. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 77.1 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 $24.11 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 154.2 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (IA 5): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 38.4 miles (US 65; IA 5 / Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
On the drive from Indiana, IA to Oakland, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Harlan along the way.
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