Trip from Hampton, IA to Urbandale, 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 53m

Distance

97.5 mi

157 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min

4 AM

1h 45m ★

6 AM

1h 53m

8 AM

2h 10m

10 AM

1h 59m

12 PM

1h 58m

3 PM

2h 0m

5 PM

2h 9m

8 PM

1h 48m

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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Hampton, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Polk and Dallas counties, Iowa, United States

Urbandale, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 97.6-mile drive from Hampton to Urbandale, Iowa, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete. You'll be navigating primarily local roads, with no highway driving involved, making for a more connected journey through the heart of the Midwest. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $15, which is quite manageable for a route of this length. Given its short duration and turn-heavy nature, it's ideal for a quick, straightforward transit rather than an extended exploration. Plan for a relaxed pace as you traverse these familiar Iowa landscapes.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

48.7 miles from Hampton, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 35	84.1 mi	1h 31m
State Highway 3	9 mi	12m
70th Street	1.2 mi	2m
Central Avenue East	1 mi	2m
Meredith Drive	0.8 mi	1m
Merle Hay Road	0.6 mi	1m
Balsam Avenue	<0.1 mi	<1m
4th Street Northeast	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 35 — 84.1 mi, about 1h 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on US 65

27 ft · 4 sec · 4th Street Northeast

Turn right onto IA 3

1.0 mi · 2 min · Central Avenue East

Continue on IA 3

9.0 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3

Continue on IA 3

517 ft · 13 sec · Balsam Avenue

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 39 sec

Toward Hampton, Clarion

Merge onto I 35

78 mi · 1 hr 24 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

6.4 mi · 7 min · I 35

Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec

Exit 131 Toward IA 28 South: Merle Hay Road, Saylorville Lake Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn left onto IA 28

0.6 mi · 1 min · Merle Hay Road

Turn right onto Meredith Drive

0.8 mi · 1 min · Meredith Drive

Turn left onto 70th Street

1.2 mi · 2 min · 70th Street

Turn left onto Maryland Drive

13 ft · 0 sec · Maryland Drive

Arrive at destination

Maryland Drive

Trip Plan

For this 1-day, under-two-hour drive, flexibility is key. You can depart at your leisure, as the 97.6-mile distance won't demand an early start. With an estimated fuel cost of $15, keeping your tank topped up is easy and inexpensive. Because this is a local drive with a 0% highway share, pay close attention to speed limit changes as you pass through smaller towns along Central Avenue East and Highway 3. There are no designated stops, so feel free to pull over if you spot something interesting or need a break. The route's turn-heavy profile means staying alert to navigation cues is important.

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 48.7 miles from Hampton, IA, or about 57m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.1 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 21 miles or 26m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 48.7 miles or 57m 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 30m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Urbandale, 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 97.5 miles and 1h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 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 84.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ames, IA

49 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

Oakland, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ames, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 48.7 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 84.1 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

Tullpa Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 97.5

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152142327

Visit website

Vietnam Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Des Moines, Iowa

0.6 mi

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 90.5

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.1 mi

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.2 mi

Tullpa Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 97.5

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152142327

Visit website

Vietnam Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.5

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+15152528713

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 62.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 62.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 62.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.7

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.5

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+15155090915

Visit website

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 41.8

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

Life Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.5

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

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

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 62.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 62.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 62.7

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 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 94.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | IA 3 / Central Avenue East

Turn right onto IA 3 / Central Avenue East

Navigation decision point

10.1 mi into trip | ~14m in

Take the ramp toward Hampton, Clarion

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Hampton, Clarion

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.

88.2 mi into trip | ~1h 39m 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...

94.5 mi into trip | ~1h 47m in

Take the exit toward IA 28 South: Merle Hay Road, Saylorville Lake

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 131 Toward IA 28 South: Merle Hay Road, Saylorville...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.24 one way

$30.49 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 34 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$16.74	$33.47
premium	$4.89	$18.76	$37.53
diesel	$5.61	$21.53	$43.05

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 34.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	29.3	$10.24	$4.68
Efficient EV	24.4	$8.53	$3.90
EV Truck/SUV	39	$13.65	$6.24

Gas CO2

34 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (68% 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

Night in Hampton on Saturday

Local time

11:15 PM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Urbandale, IA

Night in Urbandale on Saturday

Local time

11:15 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°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

5 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 53m 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 on this route, as indicated by its 0% highway share. This means you'll be frequently adjusting your course, predominantly using Central Avenue East and Highway 3 before transitioning to Balsam Avenue. The absence of long highway stretches means you'll be experiencing the local road network consistently, with no extended periods of high-speed driving. This style of navigation keeps you engaged with your surroundings and offers a different driving experience than a typical interstate journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch is not specified, suggesting a more varied and potentially winding path.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 84.1 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and State Highway 3. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near IA 3 / Central Avenue East.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 53m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (IA 3 / Central Avenue East): Navigation decision point; 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.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Hampton, IA and Urbandale, IA, road signs point toward Clarion, Council Bluffs and Davenport.

Clarion

10.1 mi in | ~14m

Council Bluffs

88.2 mi in | ~1h 39m | via I 35

Davenport

88.2 mi in | ~1h 39m | via I 35

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 53m. Total distance: 97.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 84.1 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.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Urbandale, 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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Trip from Hampton, IA to Urbandale, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Tullpa Restaurant

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

Tullpa Restaurant

Vietnam Cafe

Ankeny Cafe

Cafe Diem

Urbandale Clubhouse And Restaurant

100th St. Corner Cafe

Istanbul Grill Cafe & Bakery

Waveland Cafe

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Cafe Diem

Vinyl Cafe

KaffeGeita

SweetDude Coffee & Café

Juniper & Olive Co.

Life Cafe

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Paris Banh Mi Windsor Heights

University Library Cafe

Discover Ames

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Hampton, IA

Urbandale, IA

Same local time

5 degrees warmer at arrival

1h 53m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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