Spanning 291.6 miles across the heart of the Midwest, this drive from George to Indiana takes approximately 6 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Because the trip falls well within a single day of travel, you can easily manage the journey in one sitting without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate a combination of 220th Street, I-35, and IA-5 to reach your destination. Budgeting roughly $44 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. Since both your start and end points are located within Iowa, you will experience a consistent regional feel throughout the drive. It is a straightforward, practical route that serves as a reliable connection between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
145.8 miles from George, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 12m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
220th Street
92.4 mi
1h 46m
I 35
54.7 mi
59m
IA 5
35.4 mi
42m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
10.7 mi
12m
20th Avenue
9.2 mi
12m
State Highway 3
8.6 mi
11m
IA 60 Business
7.5 mi
9m
320th Street
6.3 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
220th Street
— 92.4 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between George, IA and Indiana, IA.
1
Start on North Main Street
377 ft·17 sec·North Main Street
2
Turn left onto East Boiler Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·East Boiler Avenue
3
Turn right onto South Virginia Street
0.6 mi·1 min·South Virginia Street
4
Continue on L14
5.7 mi·8 min·L14
5
Continue on CR L14
3.8 mi·5 min·Kennedy Avenue
6
Continue on CR L14
0.5 mi·1 min·Colfax Street
7
Turn left onto US 18; CR L14
6.0 mi·8 min·320th Street
8
Continue on US 18
0.7 mi·58 sec·West Park Street
9
Continue on US 18
0.3 mi·29 sec·320th Street
10
Turn right onto Western Avenue
1.0 mi·1 min·Western Avenue
11
At end of road, turn left onto CR B20
360 ft·10 sec·West 16th Street
12
Turn right onto IA 60 Business
0.7 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue
13
Take the ramp onto IA 60 Business
7.5 mi·9 min·IA 60 Business
14
Turn left onto L22
5.6 mi·7 min·Log Avenue
Use the left lane.
15
Turn left onto IA 10
1.0 mi·1 min·460th Street
16
Continue on IA 10
0.5 mi·1 min·Garfield Street
17
Continue on IA 10
3.5 mi·4 min·460th Street
18
Turn right onto IA 143
5.0 mi·6 min·Nettle Avenue
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on IA 143
5.7 mi·7 min·D Avenue
20
Continue on IA 143
1.3 mi·2 min·Ames Avenue
21
Turn left onto IA 3
5.0 mi·6 min·490th Street
22
Continue on IA 3
4.2 mi·5 min·State Highway 3
23
Continue on IA 3
2.5 mi·3 min·500th Street
24
Turn straight onto IA 3
4.4 mi·6 min·State Highway 3
25
Turn left onto IA 3
3.4 mi·4 min·530th Street
26
Turn right onto IA 7
2.0 mi·2 min·V Avenue
27
Continue on IA 7
1.4 mi·2 min·1st Street
28
Continue on IA 7
2.1 mi·2 min·State Highway 7
29
Continue on IA 7
1.1 mi·1 min·Highway 7
30
Turn right onto 20th Avenue
9.2 mi·12 min·20th Avenue
31
Continue on CR M27
6.0 mi·8 min·Armstrong Avenue
32
At end of road, turn left onto US 20
92 mi·1 hr 46 min·220th Street
33
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
34
Merge onto I 35
54 mi·59 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
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
36
Take the exit
0.8 mi·2 min
Exit 137AToward I 80 East: Davenport
37
Merge onto I 80
2.6 mi·2 min·I 80
38
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 141Toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des MoinesUse the slight right lane.
39
Merge onto US 65
11 mi·12 min·Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
41
Continue on IA 5
19 mi·21 min·IA 5
42
Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92
11 mi·11 min·IA 5; IA 92
43
Take the exit onto IA 5
0.5 mi·1 min·IA 5
44
Turn right onto IA 5
5.8 mi·8 min·IA 5
45
Turn sharp right onto CR G76
0.2 mi·24 sec·County Highway G76
46
Continue on CR G76
1.9 mi·3 min·County Highway G76
47
Arrive at destination
CR G76
Trip Plan
To keep your 6-hour journey manageable, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the trip is highly achievable in a single day, departing early in the morning allows you to arrive at your destination with plenty of daylight to spare. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the 92.4-mile stretch on 220th Street, as service options may be more limited compared to the interstate sections. Taking advantage of the flexibility inherent in a one-day trip means you can adjust your pace based on traffic conditions on I-35. Prioritize consistent breaks to stay alert, especially when transitioning between the different road types on this route.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 145.8 miles from George, IA, or about 3h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.4 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 64 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.8 miles or 3h 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 4h 57m
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 George, 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 George, IA
This is one driving day of about 291.6 miles and 6h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from George, 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 220th Street for about 92.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 19 and 242.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
19 mi into trip|~29m in|CR B20 / West 16th Street
At end of road, turn left onto CR B20 / West 16th Street
Navigation decision point
6
27.2 mi into trip|~39m in|L22 / Log Avenue
Turn left onto L22 / Log Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
37.8 mi into trip|~54m in|IA 143 / Nettle Avenue
Turn right onto IA 143 / Nettle Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
238.6 mi into trip|~4h 56m 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...
8
242.1 mi into trip|~5h 1m 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
$45.59 one way
$91.18 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$50.05
$100.11
premium
$4.89
$56.12
$112.23
diesel
$5.61
$64.38
$128.76
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.5
1
$30.62
$14.00
Efficient EV
72.9
0
$25.52
$11.66
EV Truck/SUV
116.6
1
$40.82
$18.66
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 16, 2026
Origin
George, IA
Evening
in George on Saturday
Local time
8:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Indiana, IA
Evening
in Indiana on Saturday
Local time
8:09 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
4 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
6h 2m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience that transitions between local thoroughfares and major infrastructure. With a highway share of 38%, you will spend a significant portion of your time on smaller roads before merging onto faster interstates. The longest uninterrupted segment you will encounter is a 92.4-mile stretch along 220th Street, which requires steady focus. As you transition from the local grid onto I-35 and IA-5, the pace of the drive shifts noticeably. This route offers a balanced mix of slower-paced navigating and efficient highway cruising, keeping you engaged behind the wheel.
38% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92.4 mi on 220th Street.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 24 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 19 miles in near CR B20 / West 16th Street.
Driving Effort6/10
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 291.6 miles you will encounter 24 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 19 miles (CR B20 / West 16th Street): Navigation decision point; at 27.2 miles (L22 / Log Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 37.8 miles (IA 143 / Nettle 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.
Between George, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Davenport and Des Moines.
Council Bluffs
238.6 mi in|~4h 56m|via I 35
Davenport
238.6 mi in|~4h 56m|via I 35
Des Moines
242.1 mi in|~5h 1m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 2m. Total distance: 291.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 2m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 92.4 miles on 220th Street. 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 19 miles (CR B20 / West 16th Street): Navigation decision point; at 27.2 miles (L22 / Log Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 37.8 miles (IA 143 / Nettle Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Indiana, IA before the return drive.
