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Trip from Hamburg, 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

4h 10m

Distance

222.9 mi

359 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 57m ★
6 AM
4h 10m
8 AM
4h 36m
10 AM
4h 19m
12 PM
4h 17m
3 PM
4h 21m
5 PM
4h 35m
8 PM
4h 2m

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

city in Fremont County, Iowa, United States

Hamburg, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Indiana, IA, IA

Indiana, IA

Kelly

Trip Overview

This 222.9-mile drive from Hamburg, Iowa, to Indiana, Iowa, is a straightforward journey across the Midwest, taking approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes. It's a perfect candidate for a single-day road trip, with an estimated fuel cost of around $35. The route is predominantly highway-focused, making it efficient for covering ground. You'll primarily navigate via I-80 and I-29, with a portion on IA-5. Given its relatively short duration and highway nature, this trip offers flexibility for departure times and stops.

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

111.5 miles from Hamburg, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 118.5 mi 2h 7m
I 29 46.4 mi 49m
IA 5 36 mi 44m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway 12.9 mi 14m
I 35 3.8 mi 4m
County Highway G76 2 mi 3m
State Highway 333 0.6 mi <1m
Ramp 72 H 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 118.5 mi, about 2h 7m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Main Street

0.3 mi · 51 sec · Main Street
2

Turn right onto IA 333

0.2 mi · 27 sec · North Street
3

Continue on IA 333

0.6 mi · 56 sec · State Highway 333
4

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec
5

Merge onto I 29

46 mi · 49 min · I 29
6

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 45 sec
Exit 48A Toward I 80 East: Des Moines
7

Continue on I 80; US 6

118 mi · 2 hr 6 min · I 80; US 6
Use the straight lane.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

0.3 mi · 18 sec · I 80
Exit 123B Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit onto Ramp 72 H

0.4 mi · 51 sec · Ramp 72 H
Exit 123B Toward I 35 South: Kansas City
10

Merge onto I 35

3.8 mi · 4 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 68 Toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport, West Des Moines, Norwalk Use the slight right lane.
12

Continue on IA 5

13 mi · 14 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit onto IA 5

19 mi · 22 min · IA 5
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
14

Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92

11 mi · 11 min · IA 5; IA 92
15

Take the exit onto IA 5

0.5 mi · 1 min · IA 5
16

Turn right onto IA 5

5.8 mi · 8 min · IA 5
17

Turn sharp right onto CR G76

0.2 mi · 24 sec · County Highway G76
18

Continue on CR G76

1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76
19

Arrive at destination

CR G76

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour drive, starting earlier in the day will give you ample time to reach your destination without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop and a long stretch on I-80, plan your breaks accordingly, perhaps around the 100-mile mark. The estimated fuel cost of $35 is manageable, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 118.5-mile segment on I-80, as services might be more spread out in that particular stretch. This trip is easily completed in a single day, offering flexibility in your schedule.

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 111.5 miles from Hamburg, IA, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.5 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 49 miles or 54m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 111.5 miles or 2h 1m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 19m

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 Hamburg, 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 Hamburg, IA

This is one driving day of about 222.9 miles and 4h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Hamburg, 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 118.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Audubon, IA

111 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

Council Bluffs, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Atlantic, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 111.5 miles from Hamburg, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 118.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 47.9 and 171.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
47.9 mi into trip | ~52m in

Take the exit toward I 80 East: Des Moines

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 48A Toward I 80 East: Des Moines
9
166.7 mi into trip | ~3h in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 123B Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, K...
5
167 mi into trip | ~3h in | Ramp 72 H

Take the exit onto Ramp 72 H toward I 35 South: Kansas City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 123B Toward I 35 South: Kansas City
5
167.4 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
171.2 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in

Take the exit toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport, West Des Moines, Norwalk

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 68 Toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport,...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.85 one way

$69.70 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $38.26 $76.52
premium $4.89 $42.90 $85.79
diesel $5.61 $49.21 $98.43

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 78 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 66.9 0 $23.40 $10.70
Efficient EV 55.7 0 $19.50 $8.92
EV Truck/SUV 89.2 1 $31.21 $14.27

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Hamburg, IA

Late night in Hamburg on Sunday

Local time

2:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indiana, IA

Late night in Indiana on Sunday

Local time

2:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Audubon, IA

111 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

19 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

4h 10m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highly highway-focused experience on this route, with 92% of the drive utilizing major interstates like I-80 and I-29. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 118.5 miles on I-80, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. This profile suggests a driving experience centered on efficiency rather than winding country roads or frequent scenic overlooks. The transition onto IA-5 will offer a slight variation, but the overall character remains that of a substantial highway journey.

92% 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: 118.5 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 29. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 47.9 miles in.

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 222.9 miles you will encounter 12 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 47.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 166.7 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 167 miles (Ramp 72 H): 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 Hamburg, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City, Des Moines and Norwalk.

Minneapolis

166.7 mi in | ~3h | via I 80

Kansas City

166.7 mi in | ~3h | via I 80

Des Moines

171.2 mi in | ~3h 6m

Norwalk

171.2 mi in | ~3h 6m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 10m. Total distance: 222.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 118.5 miles on I 80. 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 47.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 166.7 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 167 miles (Ramp 72 H): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 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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Explore more options from Hamburg, IA or browse trips ending in Indiana, IA.

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