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Trip from Fairfax, 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 32m

Distance

118.8 mi

191 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

7 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 22m ★
6 AM
2h 32m
8 AM
2h 53m
10 AM
2h 39m
12 PM
2h 37m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 52m
8 PM
2h 26m

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 Fairfax, IA, IA

Fairfax, IA

Quang Nguyen Vinh

Downtown Indiana, IA, IA

Indiana, IA

Kelly

Trip Overview

This 118.8-mile journey from Fairfax, Iowa, to Indiana, Iowa, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes. With 77% of the route on highways, it's a practical trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently within the Midwest. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $19, making it an economical option. You'll primarily navigate via I-80, State Highway 14, and W Avenue. Given its manageable length and highway focus, this route is well-suited for a day trip 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

59.4 miles from Fairfax, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 59.9 mi 1h 4m
State Highway 14 23.5 mi 34m
W Avenue 9 mi 13m
IA 5 7.5 mi 11m
U Avenue 5.5 mi 7m
Amana Road Southwest 3.4 mi 4m
79th Street 2.4 mi 3m
North Lincoln Street 2.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 59.9 mi, about 1h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Vanderbilt Street

443 ft · 21 sec · Vanderbilt Street
2

Turn right onto Church Street

0.1 mi · 39 sec · Church Street
3

Turn left onto US 151

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Williams Boulevard
4

Continue on US 151

3.4 mi · 4 min · Amana Road Southwest
5

Continue on US 151

0.4 mi · 43 sec · Co Trunk Rd E68
6

Continue on US 151

0.1 mi · 12 sec · 1st Avenue
7

Continue on US 151

2.4 mi · 3 min · 79th Street
8

Continue on US 151

9.0 mi · 13 min · W Avenue
Use the left lane.
9

Turn left onto US 151

5.5 mi · 7 min · U Avenue
Use the left lane.
10

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec
11

Merge onto I 80

60 mi · 1 hr 4 min · I 80
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward US 6, IA 14: Newton, Monroe
13

Turn left onto State Highway 14

11 mi · 16 min · State Highway 14
14

Continue on IA 14

1.0 mi · 1 min · Monroe Street
15

Continue on IA 14

13 mi · 18 min · State Highway 14
16

Continue on IA 14

2.3 mi · 3 min · North Lincoln Street
17

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 44 sec
18

Merge onto IA 5; IA 92

1.2 mi · 1 min · IA 5; IA 92
19

Take the exit onto IA 5

0.5 mi · 1 min · IA 5
20

Turn right onto IA 5

5.8 mi · 8 min · IA 5
21

Turn sharp right onto CR G76

0.2 mi · 24 sec · County Highway G76
22

Continue on CR G76

1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76
23

Arrive at destination

CR G76

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 32-minute drive, consider departing in the morning to take advantage of daylight and fewer potential traffic delays. With only one designated stop implied by the data, you have flexibility in pacing yourself, though it's always wise to plan for brief breaks every couple of hours. The estimated fuel cost of $19 is a good budget to keep in mind. A specific tip for this route: be aware that I-80 is the longest stretch at 59.9 miles, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on that segment to avoid unnecessary 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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 59.4 miles from Fairfax, IA, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.9 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 26 miles or 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 59.4 miles or 1h 12m 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 59m

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 Fairfax, 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 Fairfax, IA

This is one driving day of about 118.8 miles and 2h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Fairfax, 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 80 for about 59.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brooklyn, IA

59 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

Belle Plaine, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Grinnell, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 59.4 miles from Fairfax, 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

Landmark Grill & Grind - Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Williamsburg, Iowa

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.5

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+13196682209

Visit website

Arby's

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Williamsburg, Iowa

0.9 mi

Pino's Sicilian Pizzeria

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Williamsburg, Iowa

0.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Grind Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fairfax, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7–11 am

+13197847798

Visit website

The Chocolate Haus - Amana

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Amana, Iowa

2.7 mi

Two 20th Point

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Amana, Iowa

2.7 mi

Landmark Grill & Grind - Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.5

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+13196682209

Visit website

Arby's

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.5

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: 9:30 am–11 pm

+13196684040

Visit website

Pino's Sicilian Pizzeria

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 25.5

Williamsburg, Iowa

+13196681414

Bryant’s Chill & Grill

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.5

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13196682002

Visit website

McDonald's

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.5

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: 5 am–1 pm

+13196682202

Visit website

Casey's

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.5

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13192204003

Visit website

Subway

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.5

Williamsburg, Iowa

+13196689700

Visit website

Sundown Bar & Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.5

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+13196682994

Visit website

Grind Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Fairfax, Iowa

Hours: 7–11 am

+13197847798

Visit website

The Chocolate Haus - Amana

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 8.5

Amana, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+13196223025

Visit website

Two 20th Point

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 8.5

Amana, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+13195507976

Electrify America Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 25.5

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 42.4

Brooklyn, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 59.4

Grinnell, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Millstream Brewing Co.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 8.5

Amana, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13196223672

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 116.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Church Street

Turn right onto Church Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 151 / Williams Boulevard

Turn left onto US 151 / Williams Boulevard

Navigation decision point

6
15.9 mi into trip | ~23m in | US 151 / U Avenue

Turn left onto US 151 / U Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
81.7 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in

Take the exit toward US 6, IA 14: Newton, Monroe

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

Toward US 6, IA 14: Newton, Monroe
5
116.8 mi into trip | ~2h 28m in | CR G76 / County Highway G76

Turn sharp right onto CR G76 / County Highway G76

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.57 one way

$37.15 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 42 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.39 $40.78
premium $4.89 $22.86 $45.72
diesel $5.61 $26.23 $52.46

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

EV Charging Along Route

7 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Kum & Go - Tesla Supercharger

Grinnell, IA

Tesla

8 DCFC

Casey's Williamsburg #2 (Williamsburg, IA)

WILLIAMSBURG, IA

Electrify America

4 DCFC

Pilot Travel Center 495

Brooklyn, IA

eVgo Network

4 DCFC

1308 S Lincoln St

Knoxville, IA

CHARGELAB

4 DCFC

MAVERIK CEDAR RAPIDS DC

Cedar Rapids, IA

ChargePoint Network

2 DCFC

DeYarman Knoxville

Knoxville, IA

Blink Network

2 DCFC

Gregg Young Cadillac

Newton, IA

EV Connect

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Network: 1 Electrify America: 1 eVgo Network: 1 Tesla: 1 EV Connect: 1 Blink Network: 1 CHARGELAB: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 35.6 0 $12.47 $5.70
Efficient EV 29.7 0 $10.40 $4.75
EV Truck/SUV 47.5 0 $16.63 $7.60

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 15, 2026

Origin

Fairfax, IA

Morning in Fairfax on Sunday

Local time

7:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indiana, IA

Morning in Indiana on Sunday

Local time

7:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

50°F

Brooklyn, IA

59 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

22 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 32m 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 drive for the majority of this trip, with 77% of the route utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 59.9 miles on I-80, offering a chance to maintain a consistent speed. While the primary roads are highways, the inclusion of State Highway 14 and W Avenue suggests a transition to more local routes as you approach your destination. This mix means you'll experience both efficient highway travel and potentially more varied scenery on the secondary roads.

77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 59.9 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and State Highway 14. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Church Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 32m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Church Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (US 151 / Williams Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 15.9 miles (US 151 / U Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

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 Fairfax, IA to Indiana, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Monroe along the way.

Monroe

81.7 mi in | ~1h 36m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 32m. Total distance: 118.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (77%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 59.9 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Church Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (US 151 / Williams Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 15.9 miles (US 151 / U Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

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, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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