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Trip from Fort Madison, IA to Ankeny, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 40m

Distance

183.2 mi

295 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 28m ★
6 AM
3h 40m
8 AM
4h 6m
10 AM
3h 49m
12 PM
3h 47m
3 PM
3h 50m
5 PM
4h 4m
8 PM
3h 33m

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 and county seat in Lee County, Iowa, United States

Fort Madison, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Polk County, Iowa, United States

Ankeny, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 183.3-mile journey from Fort Madison to Ankeny, Iowa, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes to complete. With a projected fuel cost of around $28, it's an economical option for exploring more of the Midwest. The route is characterized by its numerous turns, suggesting a local, less highway-centric experience. This drive is ideal if you're looking for a straightforward, efficient trip without extended stretches of high-speed travel, allowing for a relaxed pace and potential for spontaneous stops along the way.

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

91.6 miles from Fort Madison, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 63 69.4 mi 1h 20m
US 34 61.1 mi 1h 10m
Avenue of the Saints 24.5 mi 28m
IA 2 8.3 mi 11m
I 35 4.7 mi 5m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway 3.8 mi 4m
Avenue O 2.1 mi 3m
East 1st Street 1.5 mi 3m
Longest stretch: US 63 — 69.4 mi, about 1h 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

61 ft · 7 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Avenue I

139 ft · 11 sec · Avenue I
3

Turn left onto US 61 Business

1.0 mi · 1 min · Avenue H
4

Turn left onto US 61 Business

0.2 mi · 21 sec · 20th Street
5

At end of road, turn right onto US 61 Business

1.3 mi · 2 min · Avenue L
6

Continue on US 61 Business

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Old Highway 61
7

Continue on US 61 Business

2.1 mi · 3 min · Avenue O
8

Turn straight onto IA 2

8.3 mi · 11 min · IA 2
9

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 53 sec
10

Merge onto US 218; IA 27

25 mi · 28 min · Avenue of the Saints
11

Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163

61 mi · 1 hr 10 min · US 34; IA 163
Exit 45
12

Continue on US 63; IA 163

69 mi · 1 hr 20 min · US 63; IA 163
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec
14

Merge onto US 65

3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
15

Take the exit

1.2 mi · 1 min
Exit 84 Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
16

Merge onto I 80

0.9 mi · 1 min · I 80
17

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 137B Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 42 sec · this road
Exit 137B Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
19

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 52 sec · this road
Exit 137B Toward I-35 North: Minneapolis
20

Merge onto I 35

4.7 mi · 5 min · I 35
Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward 1st Street
22

Keep slight left at fork

256 ft · 8 sec
Toward High Trestle Trail Use the left lane.
23

Turn straight onto East 1st Street

1.5 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
24

Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
25

Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

48 ft · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
26

Arrive at destination

Southwest 3rd Street

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 59-minute duration, this drive is perfect for a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for an unhurried pace, especially since there's only one recommended stop. The $28 fuel cost is modest, but it's always wise to top off your tank before departing Fort Madison. Pay close attention to road signs for turns, as the 'turn-heavy' nature of this route means missed turns could add significant time to your 183.3-mile journey.

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 91.6 miles from Fort Madison, IA, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.4 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 40 miles or 50m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 91.6 miles or 1h 50m 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 58m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fort Madison, 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 Fort Madison, IA

This is one driving day of about 183.2 miles and 3h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Fort Madison, 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 US 63 for about 69.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Ottumwa, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ottumwa, IA

92 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

Mount Pleasant, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ottumwa, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 91.6 miles from Fort Madison, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 63 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.4 miles.

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

Pad Thai Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mt Pleasant, Iowa

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 39.2

Hours: 11 am–1:30 pm

+13193858520

Visit website

Now Or Later Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

2.7 mi

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

2.8 mi

Pad Thai Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 39.2

Mt Pleasant, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–1:30 pm

+13193858520

Visit website

Now Or Later Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152669777

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.1

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Green Gourmet Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 65.4

Fairfield, Iowa

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+16414722277

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour Inexpensiv mile 170.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152622775

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 181.4 — 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 | Avenue I

Turn right onto Avenue I

Navigation decision point

5
38.2 mi into trip | ~48m in | US 34; IA 163

Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 45
7
175 mi into trip | ~3h 27m in

Take the exit toward I-35 north: Minneapolis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 137B Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
6
176.4 mi into trip | ~3h 29m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35 toward I 35 North: Minneapolis

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
8
181.4 mi into trip | ~3h 35m in

Keep slight left at fork toward High Trestle Trail

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward High Trestle Trail

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.64 one way

$57.28 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 64 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $31.45 $62.89
premium $4.89 $35.26 $70.51
diesel $5.61 $40.45 $80.90

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 64.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 55 0 $19.24 $8.79
Efficient EV 45.8 0 $16.03 $7.33
EV Truck/SUV 73.3 0 $25.65 $11.72

Gas CO2

64 kg

EV CO2

21 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

Fort Madison, IA

Night in Fort Madison on Saturday

Local time

11:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ankeny, IA

Night in Ankeny on Saturday

Local time

11:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°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

3 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 40m 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 'turn-heavy local drive' for the entirety of this 183.3-mile route, as it features 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating through towns and along local roads for the entire duration, with Avenue I, Avenue H, and 20th Street being key sections. Without any long, uninterrupted stretches, your driving experience will be a continuous series of adjustments and turns. The road's personality is one of constant engagement, requiring your attention as you transition through different local landscapes and road conditions.

79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 69.4 mi on US 63.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 63 and US 34. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Avenue I.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 183.2 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 (Avenue I): Navigation decision point; at 38.2 miles (US 34; IA 163): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 175 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 40m. Total distance: 183.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 69.4 miles on US 63. 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 Ankeny, 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 (Avenue I): Navigation decision point; at 38.2 miles (US 34; IA 163): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 175 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Ankeny, 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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