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Trip from Britt, 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

3h 28m

Distance

167.5 mi

270 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 17m ★
6 AM
3h 29m
8 AM
3h 53m
10 AM
3h 37m
12 PM
3h 35m
3 PM
3h 39m
5 PM
3h 52m
8 PM
3h 21m

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 Britt, IA, IA

Britt, IA

Quang Nguyen Vinh

Downtown Indiana, IA, IA

Indiana, IA

Kelly

Trip Overview

This 167.5-mile journey from Britt, Iowa, to Indiana, Iowa, is a manageable day trip, estimated to take around 3 hours and 28 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-35, IA-5, and Sage Avenue, the drive offers a straightforward path through the Midwest's heartland. With a fuel cost estimated at $26, it's an economical option for exploring within the state. This route is well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The direct nature of the drive makes it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently.

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

83.7 miles from Britt, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 59.2 mi 1h 4m
IA 5 35.4 mi 42m
Sage Avenue 26.7 mi 36m
US 69 15 mi 20m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway 10.7 mi 12m
US Highway 18 9.5 mi 13m
190th Street 3.4 mi 5m
I 80 2.6 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 59.2 mi, about 1h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Main Avenue North

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Main Avenue North
2

Turn right onto US 18

9.5 mi · 13 min · US Highway 18
3

Turn right onto US 69

27 mi · 36 min · Sage Avenue
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

Given the 3-hour, 28-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning will allow you to arrive at your destination with plenty of daylight remaining. With only one recommended stop and a reasonable fuel cost of $26, this trip offers flexibility; you can depart at your leisure. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 59.2-mile stretch on I-35, as services can be spaced out. Planning a brief stop around the halfway point of this main highway segment will ensure a comfortable drive.

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 83.7 miles from Britt, IA, or about 1h 48m 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 37 miles or 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 83.7 miles or 1h 48m 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 50m

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 Britt, 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 Britt, IA

This is one driving day of about 167.5 miles and 3h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Britt, 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.

city in Polk County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ankeny, IA

84 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

Oakland, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ames, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 83.7 miles from Britt, 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

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.6

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Cafe at the Meadows

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

1.3 mi

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

2.5 mi

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.6

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Cafe at the Meadows

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.6

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15159573539

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 107.7

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Smokey Row Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 143.6

Pleasantville, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15158485959

Visit website

Cafe con Leche

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15152628435

Visit website

Now Or Later Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152669777

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 107.7

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

Brick Street Cafe, Bondurant, IA

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.6

Bondurant, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15159676174

Visit website

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30 mile 71.8

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

The Vault

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 83.7

Gilbert, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15152321686

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 59.8

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15155160821

Visit website

ChargeLab Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Britt, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 83.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Car Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 59.8

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 12

Garner, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 83.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

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 55.4 and 118.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
55.4 mi into trip | ~1h 18m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
114.5 mi into trip | ~2h 22m 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
114.7 mi into trip | ~2h 22m 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
118.1 mi into trip | ~2h 27m 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
5
118.7 mi into trip | ~2h 28m in | US 65 / Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway

Merge onto US 65 / Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.19 one way

$52.37 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $28.75 $57.50
premium $4.89 $32.23 $64.47
diesel $5.61 $36.98 $73.96

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 58.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50.3 0 $17.59 $8.04
Efficient EV 41.9 0 $14.66 $6.70
EV Truck/SUV 67 0 $23.45 $10.72

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 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

Britt, IA

Night in Britt on Saturday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indiana, IA

Night in Indiana on Saturday

Local time

11:21 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 28m 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-focused experience for this trip, with 73% of the route on major roadways. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 59.2 miles, primarily on I-35, providing ample opportunity for consistent driving. While much of the journey will be on faster roads, the inclusion of IA-5 and Sage Avenue suggests a transition to more local thoroughfares as you approach your destination. This mix means you'll experience both the efficiency of the interstate and a taste of Iowa's smaller road networks.

73% 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?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and IA 5. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 55.4 miles in near I 35.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 167.5 miles you will encounter 15 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: at 55.4 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 114.5 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Britt, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Davenport and Des Moines.

Council Bluffs

114.5 mi in | ~2h 22m | via I 35

Davenport

114.5 mi in | ~2h 22m | via I 35

Des Moines

118.1 mi in | ~2h 27m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 28m. Total distance: 167.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (73%). 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.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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: at 55.4 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 114.5 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Indiana, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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