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Trip from Hampton, IA to Ankeny, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 38m

Distance

84.8 mi

136 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 31m ★
6 AM
1h 38m
8 AM
1h 53m
10 AM
1h 44m
12 PM
1h 42m
3 PM
1h 44m
5 PM
1h 52m
8 PM
1h 34m

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 in Iowa, United States

Hampton, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Polk County, Iowa, United States

Ankeny, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Hampton, IA to Ankeny, IA is 84.8 miles and takes about 1h 38m via I 35 and State Highway 3, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, specifically crossing through Iowa. The drive is primarily on well-maintained highways, making it a straightforward journey for anyone looking to cover ground efficiently. Given its relatively short duration, this route is ideal for a same-day trip, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination. Consider this an easy transit between two points in Iowa.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

42.4 miles from Hampton, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 72.4 mi 1h 18m
State Highway 3 9 mi 12m
East 1st Street 1.4 mi 3m
Central Avenue East 1 mi 2m
Southwest Walnut Street 0.2 mi <1m
Balsam Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Southwest 3rd Street <0.1 mi <1m
4th Street Northeast <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 72.4 mi, about 1h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 65

27 ft · 4 sec · 4th Street Northeast
2

Turn right onto IA 3

1.0 mi · 2 min · Central Avenue East
3

Continue on IA 3

9.0 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
4

Continue on IA 3

517 ft · 13 sec · Balsam Avenue
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward Hampton, Clarion
6

Merge onto I 35

72 mi · 1 hr 18 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Exit 92 Toward 1st Street
8

Keep slight right at fork

301 ft · 9 sec
9

Turn straight onto East 1st Street

1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
10

Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
11

Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

48 ft · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
12

Arrive at destination

Southwest 3rd Street

Trip Plan

With a drive time under two hours, you have a lot of flexibility on when to depart for this trip. Leaving in the morning ensures you arrive with plenty of daylight, and since it's a single-day journey, you won't need to worry about splitting the drive. The longest stretch on I 35 is over 72 miles, so plan your fuel stops accordingly before you embark, as opportunities might be less frequent on the highway itself. Given the short duration and low fuel cost of around $13, this is an easy trip to tackle without extensive planning.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 42.4 miles from Hampton, IA, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.4 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 19 miles or 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 42.4 miles or 49m 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 21m

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 Hampton, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Hampton, IA

This is one driving day of about 84.8 miles and 1h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Hampton, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 35 for about 72.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Story City, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Story City, IA

42 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.

Popular next leg

Story City, IA to Ankeny, IA

34.7 mi · 41m

Pacing Suggestions

Oakland, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Story City, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 42.4 miles from Hampton, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.4 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

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 84.8

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.4 mi

Main Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

2.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Story City, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.4

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 84.8

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 84.8

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

Main Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 84.8

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+15159647141

Visit website

The Mucky Duck Pub

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 66.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152328888

Visit website

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 66.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15152339004

Visit website

It's My Jam Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 84.8

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15158955526

Visit website

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 60.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

The Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 60.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15152920100

Visit website

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.4

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 60.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 60.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 60.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 42.4

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

Labyrinth Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 60.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Bookends Cafe

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 60.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+15152941383

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Hampton, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 18.2

Dows, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 66.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 30.3

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15155160821

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 60.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 66.6

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 66.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 60.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Center Grove Orchard

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 72.7

Cambridge, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+15153834354

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 66.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 10.1 and 84.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
10.1 mi into trip | ~14m in

Take the ramp toward Hampton, Clarion

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Hampton, Clarion
5
10.4 mi into trip | ~15m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
82.9 mi into trip | ~1h 33m in

Take the exit toward 1st Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 92 Toward 1st Street
5
83.1 mi into trip | ~1h 34m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
84.8 mi into trip | ~1h 38m in | Southwest 3rd Street

Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.26 one way

$26.52 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $14.56 $29.11
premium $4.89 $16.32 $32.64
diesel $5.61 $18.72 $37.45

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 29.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.4 0 $8.90 $4.07
Efficient EV 21.2 0 $7.42 $3.39
EV Truck/SUV 33.9 0 $11.87 $5.43

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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

Hampton, IA

Late night in Hampton on Sunday

Local time

2:27 AM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ankeny, IA

Late night in Ankeny on Sunday

Local time

2:27 AM

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

23 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

1h 38m 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?

This route is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 96% of it spent on high-speed roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 72.4 miles on I 35, which forms the backbone of this journey. Expect smooth sailing for the majority of the trip, characterized by consistent speeds and minimal traffic delays. The transition from I 35 to State Highway 3 and then East 1st Street in Ankeny will be gradual, maintaining the highway feel without sudden changes in road type. It's a dependable drive designed for covering distance.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 72.4 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and State Highway 3. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Hampton, IA to Ankeny, IA is easy. At 1h 38m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 10.1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.4 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.9 miles: 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.

On the drive from Hampton, IA to Ankeny, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Clarion along the way.

Clarion

10.1 mi in | ~14m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 38m. Total distance: 84.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 72.4 miles on I 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 10.1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.4 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Ankeny, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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