Trip from Ankeny, IA to Washington, IA

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

Drive Time

2h 44m

Distance

121.4 mi

195 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min

4 AM

2h 33m ★

6 AM

2h 44m

8 AM

3h 5m

10 AM

2h 52m

12 PM

2h 49m

3 PM

2h 53m

5 PM

3h 4m

8 PM

2h 38m

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

Washington, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 121.4-mile drive from Ankeny, IA to Washington, IA is a manageable one-day trip, taking an estimated 2 hours and 44 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of roads, including East University Avenue, State Highway 92, and I-35, with about 48% of your journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest excursion is around $19. It’s a straightforward drive that doesn't require an overnight stay, offering a convenient way to travel 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

60.7 miles from Ankeny, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 14m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
East University Avenue	49.1 mi	57m
State Highway 92	47.4 mi	1h 8m
I 35	4.8 mi	5m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway	3.8 mi	4m
I 80	2.6 mi	2m
A Avenue West	2.5 mi	5m
IA 1	2 mi	2m
Northeast University Avenue	1.8 mi	2m

Longest stretch: East University Avenue — 49.1 mi, about 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Southwest 3rd Street

48 ft · 4 sec · Southwest 3rd Street

Turn right onto Southwest Walnut Street

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Southwest Walnut Street

At end of road, turn right onto West 1st Street

1.4 mi · 3 min · West 1st Street

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 30 sec

Toward I-35 south: Des Moines

Merge onto I 35

4.7 mi · 5 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

0.2 mi · 12 sec · I 35

Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 2 min

Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport

Merge onto I 80

2.6 mi · 2 min · I 80

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 141 Toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto US 65

3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 55 sec

Exit 79 Toward IA 163: East University Avenue, Pleasant Hill

Turn left onto IA 163

3.3 mi · 4 min · East University Avenue

Continue on IA 163

1.8 mi · 2 min · Northeast University Avenue

Continue on IA 163

46 mi · 52 min · East University Avenue

Turn left onto Jewell Avenue

249 ft · 6 sec · Jewell Avenue

Continue on Old Highway 163

1.3 mi · 1 min · Old Highway 163

Enter roundabout onto Highway 432

28 ft · 1 sec · Highway 432

Continue on Highway 432

0.5 mi · 57 sec · Highway 432

At end of road, turn left onto IA 92

2.5 mi · 5 min · A Avenue West

Continue on IA 92

47 mi · 1 hr 8 min · State Highway 92

Turn right onto IA 1; IA 92

2.0 mi · 2 min · IA 1; IA 92

Turn left onto West 5th Street

1.2 mi · 2 min · West 5th Street

Turn right onto North Marion Avenue

0.3 mi · 1 min · North Marion Avenue

Arrive at destination

South Marion Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 2 hour and 44 minute drive, leaving in the morning is a good bet, allowing ample time to reach Washington, IA without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to take breaks when needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 49.1-mile stretch on East University Avenue, and plan your refueling accordingly. The estimated fuel cost of $19 makes this an economical trip, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

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.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 60.7 miles from Ankeny, IA, or about 1h 14m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 49.1 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 27 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 60.7 miles or 1h 14m 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 11m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Washington, 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.

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 Ankeny, IA

This is one driving day of about 121.4 miles and 2h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Ankeny, 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 East University Avenue for about 49.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Marion County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Pella, IA

61 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

Colfax, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Pella, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 60.7 miles from Ankeny, 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

Café Dodici

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Washington, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30 mile 121.4

Hours: 5–8 pm

+13196534012

Visit website

Frontier Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Washington, Iowa

0.1 mi

Panda Palace Chinese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Washington, Iowa

0.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Smokey Row Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.4

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+16416761600

Visit website

Iris Coffee Company

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pella, Iowa

1.2 mi

The Sanctuary

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pella, Iowa

1.2 mi

Café Dodici

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30 mile 121.4

Washington, Iowa

Hours: 5–8 pm

+13196534012

Visit website

Frontier Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 121.4

Washington, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+13196536539

Panda Palace Chinese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 121.4

Washington, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+13196536888

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

The Homestyle Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.4

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Hours: 5 am–1:30 pm

+16416735306

Visit website

Spirit Cafe - Special needs work program

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 69.4

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+16416769528

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 8.7

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 14.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Southwest Walnut Street

Turn right onto Southwest Walnut Street

Navigation decision point

0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | West 1st Street

At end of road, turn right onto West 1st Street

Navigation decision point

6.6 mi into trip | ~9m in | I 35

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35 toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council B...

10.2 mi into trip | ~15m in

Take the exit toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 141 Toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines

14.7 mi into trip | ~20m in

Take the exit toward IA 163: East University Avenue, Pleasant Hill

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

Exit 79 Toward IA 163: East University Avenue, Pleasant...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.98 one way

$37.96 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$20.84	$41.68
premium	$4.89	$23.36	$46.72
diesel	$5.61	$26.80	$53.61

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 42.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	36.4	$12.75	$5.83
Efficient EV	30.4	$10.62	$4.86
EV Truck/SUV	48.6	$17.00	$7.77

Gas CO2

42 kg

EV CO2

14 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 18, 2026

Origin

Ankeny, IA

Late night in Ankeny on Sunday

Local time

12:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

35°F

Mostly Clear

NW 14 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:33AM CDT until April 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Omaha/Valley NE

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 17 at 10:38PM CDT until April 24 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Destination

Washington, IA

Late night in Washington on Sunday

Local time

12:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

69°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

34 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

2h 44m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

The drive presents a mixed driving profile, meaning you'll experience both highway speeds and potentially slower local road conditions. With 48% of the route on highways, expect some stretches of faster travel, balanced by time on surface roads. The longest continuous segment you'll encounter is 49.1 miles on East University Avenue. This variation means you'll need to adjust your pace, transitioning between quicker highway segments and more local driving.

48% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 49.1 mi on East University Avenue.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Southwest Walnut Street.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 121.4 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: near the start (Southwest Walnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (West 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 6.6 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Ankeny, IA and Washington, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines and Pleasant Hill.

Council Bluffs

6.6 mi in | ~9m | via I 35

Davenport

6.6 mi in | ~9m | via I 35

Des Moines

10.2 mi in | ~15m

Pleasant Hill

14.7 mi in | ~20m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 44m. Total distance: 121.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (48%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 49.1 miles on East University Avenue. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Washington, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Washington, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Ankeny, IA or browse trips ending in Washington, IA.

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Trip from Ankeny, IA to Washington, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Café Dodici

Smokey Row Coffee

Café Dodici

Frontier Family Restaurant

Panda Palace Chinese Restaurant

Ankeny Cafe

The Homestyle Cafe

Spirit Cafe - Special needs work program

Windmill Cafe

Smokey Row Coffee

Smokey Row Coffee

Iris Coffee Company

The Sanctuary

The Perk Of Pella

Brew Coffee House

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Ankeny, IA

Washington, IA

Same local time

34 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 44m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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