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Trip from Urbandale, IA to Webster City, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 31m

Distance

78.5 mi

126 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

30 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 20 min
4 AM
1h 25m ★
6 AM
1h 32m
8 AM
1h 45m
10 AM
1h 36m
12 PM
1h 35m
3 PM
1h 37m
5 PM
1h 45m
8 PM
1h 27m

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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city in Polk and Dallas counties, Iowa, United States

Urbandale, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Iowa, United States

Webster City, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Urbandale, IA to Webster City, IA covers 78.5 miles and takes about 1h 31m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 35, US 20, I 80 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 56.9 miles on I 35. At current regular gas prices, budget about $12.27 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

39.3 miles from Urbandale, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 56.9 mi 1h 1m
US 20 12.3 mi 14m
I 80 4.6 mi 5m
Superior Street 1.3 mi 2m
70th Street 1.2 mi 2m
Meredith Drive 0.8 mi 1m
Merle Hay Road 0.5 mi 1m
2nd Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 56.9 mi, about 1h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Urbandale, IA and Webster City, IA.

1

Start on Maryland Drive

13 ft · 2 sec · Maryland Drive
2

Turn right onto 70th Street

1.2 mi · 2 min · 70th Street
3

At end of road, turn right onto Meredith Drive

0.8 mi · 1 min · Meredith Drive
4

Turn left onto IA 28

0.5 mi · 1 min · Merle Hay Road
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I-35 north, I-80 east
6

Merge onto I 80; I 35

4.0 mi · 4 min · I 80; I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on I 35; I 80

0.7 mi · 50 sec · I 35; I 80
8

Continue on I 80; I 35

0.6 mi · 40 sec · I 80; I 35
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

56 mi · 1 hr 1 min · I 35
Toward I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 56 sec
Toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
11

Merge onto US 20

12 mi · 14 min · US 20
12

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec
Toward IA 17 South
13

Turn right onto Superior Street

1.3 mi · 2 min · Superior Street
14

Turn left onto CR D20

60 ft · 1 sec · 2nd Street
15

Arrive at destination

CR D20

Trip Plan

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 39.3 miles from Urbandale, IA, or about 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.9 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 17 miles or 21m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 39.3 miles or 45m 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 16m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Urbandale, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Urbandale, IA

This is one driving day of about 78.5 miles and 1h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Urbandale, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 35 for about 56.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ames, IA

39 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.

Popular next leg

Ames, IA to Webster City, IA

45.9 mi · 55m

Pacing Suggestions

Ankeny, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ames, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 39.3 miles from Urbandale, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Tullpa Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152142327

Visit website

Vietnam Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Des Moines, Iowa

0.6 mi

It's My Jam Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Story City, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 44.9

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

1.6 mi

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.3 mi

Tullpa Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152142327

Visit website

Vietnam Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+15152528713

Visit website

It's My Jam Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.2

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15158955526

Visit website

Urbandale Clubhouse And Restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–12 pm

+15152765496

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.2

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

The Mucky Duck Pub

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152328888

Visit website

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15152339004

Visit website

100th St. Corner Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–1:30 pm

+15153312343

Visit website

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 44.9

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 5.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+15155090915

Visit website

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 56.1

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

Life Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 78.5

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 78.5

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Paris Banh Mi Windsor Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Windsor Heights, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7:30 pm

+15152778888

Visit website

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 33.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

Z'Mariks Noodle Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152239605

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 8.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | 70th Street

Turn right onto 70th Street

Navigation decision point

5
1.2 mi into trip | ~2m in | Meredith Drive

At end of road, turn right onto Meredith Drive

Navigation decision point

5
2.5 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the ramp toward I-35 north, I-80 east

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I-35 north, I-80 east
5
2.8 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 80; I 35

Merge onto I 80; I 35

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
8.1 mi into trip | ~12m in | I 35

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35 toward I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, De...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.27 one way

$24.55 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $13.47 $26.95
premium $4.89 $15.11 $30.21
diesel $5.61 $17.33 $34.66

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 27.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

30 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Blink Charging Station

Webster City, Iowa

Blink

1 DCFC

Red E Charging Station

Webster City, Iowa

Other

1 DCFC

ChargePoint: 15 Other: 8 Blink: 3 EV Connect: 1 Tesla: 1 Shell Recharge: 1 EVgo: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 23.6 0 $8.24 $3.77
Efficient EV 19.6 0 $6.87 $3.14
EV Truck/SUV 31.4 0 $10.99 $5.02

Gas CO2

27 kg

EV CO2

9 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

Urbandale, IA

Afternoon in Urbandale on Saturday

Local time

1:10 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Webster City, IA

Afternoon in Webster City on Saturday

Local time

1:10 PM

CDT

Current temp

48°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

4 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

1h 31m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This is a 1h 31m highway drive covering 78.5 miles, with most of the trip on I 35 and US 20. The longest continuous stretch is about 56.9 miles on I 35.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 35 is the longest continuous segment at about 56.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and US 20. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 70th Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.5 miles you will encounter 10 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: near the start (70th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.2 miles (Meredith Drive): Navigation decision point; at 2.5 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Urbandale, IA to Webster City, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Des Moines along the way.

Des Moines

8.1 mi in | ~12m | via I 35

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 31m. Total distance: 78.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Urbandale, IA to Webster City, IA covers 78.5 miles and takes about 1h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 35, US 20, I 80. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 39.3 miles from Urbandale, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.27 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.5 miles you will encounter 10 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: near the start (70th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.2 miles (Meredith Drive): Navigation decision point; at 2.5 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

On the drive from Urbandale, IA to Webster City, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Des Moines along the way.

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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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