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Trip from Belmond, IA to Indiana, 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 51m

Distance

139.9 mi

225 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 40m ★
6 AM
2h 51m
8 AM
3h 13m
10 AM
2h 59m
12 PM
2h 57m
3 PM
3h 0m
5 PM
3h 12m
8 PM
2h 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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Downtown Belmond, IA, IA

Belmond, IA

Uiliam Nörnberg

Downtown Indiana, IA, IA

Indiana, IA

Kelly

Trip Overview

This 139.9-mile drive from Belmond, IA to Indiana, IA is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in under 3 hours, making it a perfect day trip. You'll primarily navigate on I 35, IA 5, and US 69, with 80% of the route being highway driving. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $22, which is quite budget-friendly. Given the relatively short duration and the Midwest scenery, this route is ideal for a spontaneous outing or a quick connection between these two Iowa communities without the need for an overnight stay.

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

69.9 miles from Belmond, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 26m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 59.2 mi 1h 4m
IA 5 35.4 mi 42m
US 69 15 mi 20m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway 10.7 mi 12m
River Avenue South 8.8 mi 12m
190th Street 3.4 mi 5m
I 80 2.6 mi 2m
County Highway G76 2 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 59.2 mi, about 1h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Belmond, IA and Indiana, IA.

1

Start on 2nd Avenue Northeast

61 ft · 4 sec · 2nd Avenue Northeast
2

Turn right onto East Main Street

0.1 mi · 37 sec · East Main Street
3

Turn left onto US 69

8.8 mi · 12 min · River Avenue South
4

Turn left onto US 69

15 mi · 20 min · US 69
5

Turn left onto CR D20

3.4 mi · 5 min · 190th Street
6

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Toward Somerset Road
7

Merge onto I 35

59 mi · 1 hr 4 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

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
9

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 2 min
Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport
10

Merge onto I 80

2.6 mi · 2 min · I 80
11

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 141 Toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines Use the slight right lane.
12

Merge onto US 65

11 mi · 12 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
14

Continue on IA 5

19 mi · 21 min · IA 5
15

Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92

11 mi · 11 min · IA 5; IA 92
16

Take the exit onto IA 5

0.5 mi · 1 min · IA 5
17

Turn right onto IA 5

5.8 mi · 8 min · IA 5
18

Turn sharp right onto CR G76

0.2 mi · 24 sec · County Highway G76
19

Continue on CR G76

1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76
20

Arrive at destination

CR G76

Trip Plan

With a total duration of 2 hours and 51 minutes for 139.9 miles, this trip offers a lot of flexibility. You can depart at your leisure, perhaps mid-morning to avoid rush hour, and still arrive comfortably. The estimated fuel cost of $22 makes it an economical choice, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 59.2-mile stretch on I 35 where services might be less frequent. With only one recommended stop, you can easily tailor your breaks to your needs, but ensure you're fueled up before heading out from Belmond.

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 69.9 miles from Belmond, IA, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.2 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 31 miles or 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 69.9 miles or 1h 26m 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 18m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Belmond, 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 Belmond, IA

This is one driving day of about 139.9 miles and 2h 51m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Belmond, 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 I 35 for about 59.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Des Moines, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Des Moines, IA

70 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

Des Moines, IA to Indiana, IA

48.2 mi · 1h 5m

Pacing Suggestions

Oakland, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ankeny, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 69.9 miles from Belmond, 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

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.9

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Smokey Row Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pleasantville, Iowa

1.3 mi

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

2.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Story City, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 49.9

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.6 mi

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.7 mi

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.9

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Smokey Row Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 119.9

Pleasantville, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15158485959

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.9

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Cafe con Leche

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.9

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15152628435

Visit website

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

Cafe at the Meadows

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.9

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15159573539

Visit website

The Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15152920100

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.9

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 49.9

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 40

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 89.9

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Labyrinth Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Bookends Cafe

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+15152941383

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 30

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15155160821

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 49.9

Story City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 59.9

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

Center Grove Orchard

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 69.9

Cambridge, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+15153834354

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 90.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | East Main Street

Turn right onto East Main Street

Navigation decision point

5
27.8 mi into trip | ~40m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
86.8 mi into trip | ~1h 44m 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...
5
87 mi into trip | ~1h 44m in

Take the exit toward I 80 East: Davenport

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport
8
90.4 mi into trip | ~1h 49m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.87 one way

$43.74 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 49 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $24.01 $48.03
premium $4.89 $26.92 $53.84
diesel $5.61 $30.89 $61.78

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 48.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 42 0 $14.69 $6.72
Efficient EV 35 0 $12.24 $5.60
EV Truck/SUV 56 0 $19.59 $8.95

Gas CO2

49 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

Belmond, IA

Night in Belmond on Saturday

Local time

11:22 PM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indiana, IA

Night in Indiana on Saturday

Local time

11:22 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°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

24 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 51m 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 highway-centric experience for most of this drive, with 80% of the 139.9 miles on main roads like I 35 and US 69. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 59.2 miles on I 35, offering a consistent pace. While primarily highway, the route incorporates other main roads, suggesting a blend of efficient travel and perhaps slightly more varied scenery as you transition. It's a drive designed for making good time, with a focus on covering ground efficiently rather than winding through small towns.

80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 59.2 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and IA 5. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Main 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 15 significant decision points across 139.9 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 (East Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 27.8 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 86.8 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 Belmond, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Davenport and Des Moines.

Council Bluffs

86.8 mi in | ~1h 44m | via I 35

Davenport

86.8 mi in | ~1h 44m | via I 35

Des Moines

90.4 mi in | ~1h 49m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 51m. Total distance: 139.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 59.2 miles on I 35. 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 Indiana, 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.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 27.8 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 86.8 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Indiana, 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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