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Trip from Waukee, IA to Storm Lake, IA

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

Drive Time

3h 3m

Distance

137 mi

221 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 52m ★
6 AM
3h 4m
8 AM
3h 27m
10 AM
3h 12m
12 PM
3h 9m
3 PM
3h 13m
5 PM
3h 25m
8 PM
2h 57m

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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human settlement in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America

Waukee, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Iowa, United States

Storm Lake, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Waukee, IA to Storm Lake, IA covers 137 miles and takes about 3h 3m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 20, N Avenue, Lainson Avenue for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 49.4 miles on US 20. At current regular gas prices, budget about $21.42 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.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

68.5 miles from Waukee, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 3m. Total distance: 137 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (47%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

The drive from Waukee, IA to Storm Lake, IA covers 137 miles and takes about 3h 3m, using a mix of highways and local roads.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 20 is the longest continuous segment at about 49.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CR R22 / 6th Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 3m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (CR R22 / 6th Street): Navigation decision point; at 36 miles (US 169): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 40.3 miles (US 169 / D Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

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

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | CR R22 / 6th Street

Turn right onto CR R22 / 6th Street

Navigation decision point

5
36 mi into trip | ~50m in | US 169

Take the exit onto US 169

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

6
40.3 mi into trip | ~57m in | US 169 / D Avenue

Turn right onto US 169 / D Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
56.4 mi into trip | ~1h 19m in | US 169 / 360th Street

Turn left onto US 169 / 360th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
122.5 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in | US 71

Take the exit onto US 71 toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm...

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 20 49.4 mi 56m
N Avenue 15.8 mi 21m
Lainson Avenue 12.3 mi 16m
D Avenue 12.1 mi 16m
H Avenue 11.6 mi 16m
US 71 11.3 mi 15m
220th Street 4.1 mi 5m
360th Street 4 mi 5m
Longest stretch: US 20 — 49.4 mi, about 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Waukee, IA and Storm Lake, IA.

1

Start on Ashworth Drive

139 ft · 7 sec · Ashworth Drive
2

Turn right onto CR R22

0.2 mi · 31 sec · 6th Street
3

Turn left onto US 6

3.9 mi · 4 min · Hickman Road
4

Continue on US 6

2.4 mi · 2 min · 290th Street
5

Continue on US 6

0.6 mi · 1 min · Greene Street
6

Turn right onto US 169

0.6 mi · 1 min · Nile Kinnick Drive South
7

Continue on US 169

0.4 mi · 36 sec · North Avenue
8

Continue on US 169

8.7 mi · 12 min · N Avenue
9

Continue on US 169

0.5 mi · 58 sec · 4th Street
10

Continue on US 169

7.0 mi · 9 min · N Avenue
11

Continue on US 169

12 mi · 16 min · H Avenue
12

Take the exit onto US 169

0.3 mi · 37 sec · US 169
13

Merge onto US 30; US 169

4.1 mi · 5 min · 220th Street
14

Turn right onto US 169

12 mi · 16 min · D Avenue
Use the right lane.
15

Continue on US 169

4.0 mi · 5 min · Paragon Avenue
16

Turn left onto US 169

4.0 mi · 5 min · 360th Street
Use the left lane.
17

Turn right onto US 169

12 mi · 16 min · Lainson Avenue
18

Turn left

0.3 mi · 50 sec
Toward US 20 West
19

Merge onto US 20

49 mi · 56 min · US 20
20

Take the exit onto US 71

0.4 mi · 57 sec · US 71
Toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake
21

Turn right onto US 71

11 mi · 14 min · US 71
22

Turn left onto US 71 Business; IA 7

3.1 mi · 7 min · US 71 Business; IA 7
23

Continue on Grand Avenue

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Grand Avenue
24

Arrive at destination

Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

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 68.5 miles from Waukee, IA, or about 1h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 49.4 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 30 miles or 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 68.5 miles or 1h 36m 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 28m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Waukee, 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 Waukee, IA

This is one driving day of about 137 miles and 3h 3m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Waukee, 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 20 for about 49.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 68.5 mi from Waukee, IA · 1h 36m into the drive

Downtown Centerville, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Centerville, IA

69 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

Centerville, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fort Dodge, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 68.5 miles from Waukee, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Storm Lake, IA

The final approach into Storm Lake, 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 Storm Lake, IA.

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

Patrick's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Adel, Iowa

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.8

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15159933884

Visit website

Patrick's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.8

Adel, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15159933884

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 137

Storm Lake, Iowa

+18006360986

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Waukee, Iowa

+18887584389

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Waukee, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

Future Energy Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 137

Storm Lake, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Waukee, IA

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.42 one way

$42.84 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $23.52 $47.03
premium $4.89 $26.36 $52.73
diesel $5.61 $30.25 $60.50

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 47.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 41.1 0 $14.39 $6.58
Efficient EV 34.3 0 $11.99 $5.48
EV Truck/SUV 54.8 0 $19.18 $8.77

Gas CO2

48 kg

EV CO2

16 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

Waukee, IA

Evening in Waukee on Friday

Local time

7:28 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Storm Lake, IA

Evening in Storm Lake on Friday

Local time

7:28 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

51°F

Centerville, IA

69 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

4 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 3m 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 Waukee, IA to Storm Lake, IA covers 137 miles and takes about 3h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 20, N Avenue, Lainson Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 68.5 miles from Waukee, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.42 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 straightforward 3h 3m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (CR R22 / 6th Street): Navigation decision point; at 36 miles (US 169): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 40.3 miles (US 169 / D Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

The route from Waukee, IA to Storm Lake, 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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