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Trip from Ankeny, IA to Atlantic, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 49m

Distance

90.8 mi

146 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 41m ★
6 AM
1h 49m
8 AM
2h 5m
10 AM
1h 55m
12 PM
1h 53m
3 PM
1h 55m
5 PM
2h 4m
8 PM
1h 44m

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 County, Iowa, United States

Ankeny, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Iowa, United States

Atlantic, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 90.8-mile drive from Ankeny, IA, to Atlantic, IA, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 49 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $14, it's an economical option for a day trip within the Midwest. The route primarily utilizes I-80, making it a highway-focused experience. Since it's a relatively short distance, you won't need an overnight stay, offering flexibility in your departure and arrival times. This journey is ideal for those seeking a direct and efficient way to travel between these two Iowa communities.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

45.4 miles from Ankeny, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 73.6 mi 1h 20m
650th Street 6.5 mi 9m
East 7th Street 3.5 mi 6m
Northwest 2nd Street 2.6 mi 3m
Southwest State Street 2.5 mi 4m
Southwest Ordnance Road 0.9 mi 1m
US 6 0.4 mi <1m
Southwest Walnut Street 0.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 73.6 mi, about 1h 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny, IA and Atlantic, IA.

1

Start on Southwest 3rd Street

48 ft · 7 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
2

Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Southwest Walnut Street
3

At end of road, turn right onto Southwest Ordnance Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Southwest Ordnance Road
4

Turn left onto Southwest State Street

2.5 mi · 4 min · Southwest State Street
5

Continue on IA 415

2.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 2nd Street
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec
7

Merge onto I 80; I 35

11 mi · 12 min · I 80; I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

62 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 80
Toward I 80 West: Omaha Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit onto US 6

0.4 mi · 48 sec · US 6
Toward US 6, US 71: Atlantic, Audubon
10

Turn left onto US 6; US 71

6.5 mi · 9 min · 650th Street
11

Turn right onto US 6; US 71

3.5 mi · 6 min · East 7th Street
12

Turn left onto Chestnut Street

266 ft · 6 sec · Chestnut Street
13

Turn right

227 ft · 16 sec
14

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the short 1 hour and 49-minute duration, this trip from Ankeny to Atlantic offers plenty of flexibility for departure. You could leave mid-morning to avoid early rush hours and still arrive with ample daylight. With no designated stops in the data, plan for a brief fuel or stretch break if needed, especially during the 73.6-mile stretch on I-80. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach Atlantic, as the $14 estimated cost suggests a straightforward fill-up rather than multiple stops.

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 45.4 miles from Ankeny, IA, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.6 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 20 miles or 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 45.4 miles or 54m 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 26m

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

Before You Leave

+

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Ankeny, IA

This is one driving day of about 90.8 miles and 1h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Ankeny, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 73.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Adel, IA

45 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

Clive, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Earlham, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 45.4 miles from Ankeny, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.6 miles.

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

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Adair, Iowa

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 64.8

Hours: 7 am–8:30 pm

+16417423611

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

0.3 mi

Downtowner Café & Catering

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Atlantic, Iowa

0.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

coffeegirl

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Atlantic, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 90.8

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17122501539

Visit website

Casey Creamery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Casey, Iowa

0.6 mi

Vintage Road Coffee Co. - MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

0.7 mi

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 64.8

Adair, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8:30 pm

+16417423611

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Downtowner Café & Catering

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 90.8

Atlantic, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–2:30 pm

+17122432183

Club Car Restaurant & Lounge- Clive

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 19.4

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152261729

Visit website

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 19.4

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15155133330

Visit website

Farmers Walnut Street Diner

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 90.8

Atlantic, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+17122508336

Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery - Indian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.4

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15153481054

Visit website

Fuego Mexican restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 64.8

Adair, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16417422025

Visit website

coffeegirl

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 90.8

Atlantic, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17122501539

Visit website

Casey Creamery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 58.3

Casey, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16417462735

Visit website

Vintage Road Coffee Co. - MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 19.4

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13193210534

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 6.5

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 19.4

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15156446155

Visit website

Life Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.4

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.4

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+15155090915

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 19.4

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15152078041

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 32.4

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 13

Grimes, Iowa

+18006360986

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 13

Grimes, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 13

Urbandale, Iowa

Blink Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 45.4

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 13

Grimes, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 19.4

Waukee, Iowa

Red E Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 45.4

Stuart, Iowa

Visit website

Z'Mariks Noodle Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.4

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152239605

Visit website

Fireside Lounge

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 90.8

Atlantic, Iowa

Hours: 12 pm–2 am

+17122432426

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 6.5

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

Paris Banh Mi Windsor Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 13

Windsor Heights, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7:30 pm

+15152778888

Visit website

Wiota Steakhouse & Lounge

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 84.3

Wiota, Iowa

Hours: 5–10 pm

+17127839232

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 80.3 — 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 | Southwest Walnut Street

Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | Southwest Ordnance Road

At end of road, turn right onto Southwest Ordnance Road

Navigation decision point

5
6.7 mi into trip | ~12m 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.
7
18 mi into trip | ~25m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Omaha

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 80 West: Omaha
5
80.3 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in | US 6

Take the exit onto US 6 toward US 6, US 71: Atlantic, Audubon

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

Toward US 6, US 71: Atlantic, Audubon

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.20 one way

$28.39 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 32 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $15.59 $31.17
premium $4.89 $17.47 $34.95
diesel $5.61 $20.05 $40.09

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 31.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 27.2 0 $9.53 $4.36
Efficient EV 22.7 0 $7.94 $3.63
EV Truck/SUV 36.3 0 $12.71 $5.81

Gas CO2

32 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (66% 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

Ankeny, IA

Night in Ankeny on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Atlantic, IA

Night in Atlantic on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Adel, IA

45 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

21 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 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 81% of the journey on major roads like I-80. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 73.6 miles on I-80, offering a consistent pace. While the majority of the drive is on the interstate, the route incorporates local roads like 650th Street and East 7th Street as you approach your destination. This mix means you'll get both the speed of highway travel and a brief taste of local Iowa roads.

81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.6 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and 650th Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Southwest Walnut Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 49m drive. You will face about 8 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 (Southwest Walnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (Southwest Ordnance Road): Navigation decision point; at 6.7 miles (I 80; I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,437 ft 834 ft

Total Climb

621 ft

Total Descent

402 ft

Highest Point

1,437 ft

~64.8 mi in

Elevation Range

603 ft

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 Ankeny, IA to Atlantic, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Audubon along the way.

Audubon

80.3 mi in | ~1h 32m | via US 6

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 49m. Total distance: 90.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (81%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 73.6 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Southwest Walnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (Southwest Ordnance Road): Navigation decision point; at 6.7 miles (I 80; I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Atlantic, IA before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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