Origin
Keokuk, IA
Afternoon in Keokuk on Friday
Local time
3:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Keokuk, 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 49m
Distance
190.3 mi
306 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 37m
★
6 AM
3h 50m
8 AM
4h 15m
10 AM
3h 58m
12 PM
3h 56m
3 PM
4h 0m
5 PM
4h 14m
8 PM
3h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Keokuk, IA
Egor Komarov
Ankeny, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 190.3-mile drive from Keokuk, IA to Ankeny, IA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking just under 4 hours to complete. You'll primarily be on US 63, US 34, and the Avenue of the Saints, with 80% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest journey is around $30. Given its duration and highway-focused profile, it offers a straightforward transit experience, perfect for getting from point A to point B efficiently 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
95.1 miles from Keokuk, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 55m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 49m. Total distance: 190.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for 80% of your journey, making for efficient travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 69.4 miles on US 63, offering a good opportunity to settle in. This route blends main highway travel with some secondary road segments, providing a consistent pace. The overall feel is one of smooth, direct transit across the Iowa landscape.
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 45.3 miles in near US 34; IA 163.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 190.3 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 45.3 miles (US 34; IA 163): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 180.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 182.2 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.
5
45.3 mi into trip
|
~57m in
|
US 34; IA 163
Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 45
5
180.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 33m 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
182.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 36m 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
183.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 38m 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
188.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 44m 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 | 61.1 mi | 1h 10m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 26.5 mi | 30m |
| US 218 | 9.7 mi | 14m |
| US 61 | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| I 35 | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| Main Street | 3.5 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
US 63
— 69.4 mi, about 1h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Keokuk, IA and Ankeny, IA.
1
Start on US 136
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Main Street
2
Continue on US 61; US 218
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
US 61; US 218
3
Turn left onto US 218
9.2 mi
·
13 min
·
US 218
4
Take the ramp onto US 218
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
·
US 218
5
Merge onto US 218; IA 27
27 mi
·
30 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163
61 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
US 34; IA 163
Exit 45
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
With a total travel time of under 4 hours, this route offers flexibility for your departure time. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace, even with only one recommended stop. The longest stretch without a significant change in road is about 69.4 miles, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading into the longer segments on US 63, to ensure a smooth trip.
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 95.1 miles from Keokuk, IA, or about 1h 55m 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 42 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 95.1 miles or 1h 55m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 5m
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 Keokuk, 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 Keokuk, IA
This is one driving day of about 190.3 miles and 3h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Keokuk, 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 63 for about 69.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 95.1 mi from Keokuk, IA · 1h 55m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
95 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 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 95.1 miles from Keokuk, 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
$29.75 one way
$59.50 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
67 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $32.67 | $65.33 |
| premium | $4.89 | $36.62 | $73.24 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.02 | $84.03 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 57.1 | 0 | $19.98 | $9.13 |
| Efficient EV | 47.6 | 0 | $16.65 | $7.61 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 76.1 | 0 | $26.64 | $12.18 |
Gas CO2
67 kg
EV CO2
22 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
3:08 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
16 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 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 Keokuk, IA to Ankeny, IA covers 190.3 miles and takes about 3h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 63, US 34, Avenue of the Saints. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 95.1 miles from Keokuk, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.75 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 demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 190.3 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 45.3 miles (US 34; IA 163): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 180.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 182.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Keokuk, IA to Ankeny, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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.
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