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
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,582 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,907
Quietest
2 AM
~131 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 47 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
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 48AToward 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 123BToward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit onto Ramp 72 H
0.4 mi·51 sec·Ramp 72 H
Exit 123BToward 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 68Toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport, West Des Moines, NorwalkUse 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.
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 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
$32.92 one way
$65.83 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$36.34
$72.68
premium
$4.72
$41.39
$82.77
diesel
$4.80
$42.09
$84.18
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
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, 2026-07-13.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Hamburg, IA
Late night
in Hamburg on Sunday
Local time
5:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
S 2 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:22PM CDT until July 20 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Omaha/Valley NE
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 10:14AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Indiana, IA
Late night
in Indiana on Sunday
Local time
5:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 7 mph21% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:22PM CDT until July 20 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Omaha/Valley NE
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 10:14AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
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.
More Details
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 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 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,373 ft844 ft
Total Climb
535 ft
Total Descent
530 ft
Highest Point
1,373 ft
~111.5 mi in
Elevation Range
530 ft
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
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Indiana is a state in the heart of the Midwest region of the United States. Indiana is more than a fly-over state with one large metropolitan area, rural farmland, and cozy college towns.
Top landmarks
•Wyandotte Caves — park and its caverns in southern Indiana
•Eskenazi Museum of Art — museum at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana
•Miller House and Garden — historic home in Columbus, Indiana
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.
Yes — we found about 13 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 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
