Trip from Clarion, IA to Indiana, IA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 45m

Distance

135.8 mi

219 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min

4 AM

2h 34m ★

6 AM

2h 45m

8 AM

3h 7m

10 AM

2h 53m

12 PM

2h 50m

3 PM

2h 54m

5 PM

3h 6m

8 PM

2h 39m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

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Clarion, IA

MART PRODUCTION

Indiana, IA

Kelly

Trip Overview

This 135.8-mile drive from Clarion, Iowa to Indiana, Iowa, is a straightforward journey primarily on I-35, IA-5, and US-69. You can expect to spend about 2 hours and 45 minutes behind the wheel, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $21, it’s an economical option for exploring more of the Midwest. The route is predominantly highway-focused, offering a reliable and efficient way to get from point A to point B within Iowa. Plan for one main stop along the way to break up the drive.

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

67.9 miles from Clarion, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 22m 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
220th Street	4 mi	5m
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 Clarion, IA and Indiana, IA.

Start on IA 3

0.9 mi · 1 min · Central Avenue West

Continue on IA 3

4.0 mi · 5 min · 220th Street

Turn right onto US 69

15 mi · 20 min · US 69

Turn left onto CR D20

3.4 mi · 5 min · 190th Street

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 59 sec

Toward Somerset Road

Merge onto I 35

59 mi · 1 hr 4 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

11 mi · 12 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle

Continue on IA 5

19 mi · 21 min · IA 5

Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92

11 mi · 11 min · IA 5; IA 92

Take the exit onto IA 5

0.5 mi · 1 min · IA 5

Turn right onto IA 5

5.8 mi · 8 min · IA 5

Turn sharp right onto CR G76

0.2 mi · 24 sec · County Highway G76

Continue on CR G76

1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76

Arrive at destination

CR G76

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour and 45-minute duration, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Starting earlier in the morning will give you ample time to reach your destination without feeling rushed. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 59.2 miles on I-35, so consider a brief stop before or after this segment for fuel or a stretch. With a fuel cost of around $21, it's wise to check your tank before departing Clarion, as finding services on some of the less-traveled highway sections might require planning.

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 67.9 miles from Clarion, IA, or about 1h 22m 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 30 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 67.9 miles or 1h 22m 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 13m

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 Clarion, 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 Clarion, IA

This is one driving day of about 135.8 miles and 2h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Clarion, 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.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Des Moines, IA

68 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

Ames, IA

Fuel and coffee

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

Ankeny, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67.9 miles from Clarion, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · final third

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third · 59min to go 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.3 mi

Smokey Row Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pleasantville, Iowa

1.8 mi

Best coffee break · around the midpoint

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset · 1h 11m in / 1h 34m to go 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.3 mi

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.3 mi

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Smokey Row Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Pleasantville, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15158485959

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

Cafe at the Meadows

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15159573539

Visit website

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15152339004

Visit website

The Mucky Duck Pub

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152328888

Visit website

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

Labyrinth Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Halfway reset 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Bookends Cafe

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+15152941383

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

Center Grove Orchard

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Halfway reset 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

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 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 23.7 and 87 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

23.7 mi into trip | ~34m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

82.8 mi into trip | ~1h 38m 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...

83 mi into trip | ~1h 38m in

Take the exit toward I 80 East: Davenport

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport

86.4 mi into trip | ~1h 43m 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

87 mi into trip | ~1h 45m 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

$21.23 one way

$42.46 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$23.31	$46.62
premium	$4.89	$26.13	$52.27
diesel	$5.61	$29.98	$59.97

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: 47.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	40.7	$14.26	$6.52
Efficient EV	34	$11.88	$5.43
EV Truck/SUV	54.3	$19.01	$8.69

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 20, 2026

Origin

Clarion, IA

Morning in Clarion on Tuesday

Local time

7:43 AM

CDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indiana, IA

Morning in Indiana on Tuesday

Local time

7:43 AM

CDT

Current temp

61°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

2 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 45m 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?

This drive is largely highway-focused, with 83% of the route utilizing major roads like I-35. Expect a significant stretch of 59.2 miles on I-35, which offers a consistent and relatively fast pace. While the majority of the trip is on these main arteries, there will be transitions to state highways like IA-5 and US-69, offering a slight change in scenery and speed. It's a functional drive designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic vistas.

83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

19 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 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 23.7 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 135.8 miles you will encounter 13 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 23.7 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.8 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83 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 Clarion, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Davenport and Des Moines.

Council Bluffs

82.8 mi in | ~1h 38m | via I 35

Davenport

82.8 mi in | ~1h 38m | via I 35

Des Moines

86.4 mi in | ~1h 43m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 45m. Total distance: 135.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (83%). 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.

Yes — we found about 9 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

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. There are 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

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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Explore more options from Clarion, IA or browse trips ending in Indiana, IA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.

Trip from Clarion, IA to Indiana, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

Ankeny Cafe

Smokey Row Coffee

Cafe Diem

Cafe at the Meadows

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

The Mucky Duck Pub

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Cafe Diem

Vinyl Cafe

KaffeGeita

Juniper & Olive Co.

Labyrinth Coffee

Bookends Cafe

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Rest Area

Love's Travel Stop

Casey's Truck Stop

Flying J Travel Center

Service Plaza

Rest Area

Flying J Travel Center

QuikTrip

Service Plaza

Discover Ames

Center Grove Orchard

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Clarion, IA

Indiana, IA

Same local time

2 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 45m 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?

Are there rest areas on this route?

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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