Trip from Independence, 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

2h 43m

Distance

141.3 mi

227 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min

4 AM

2h 33m ★

6 AM

2h 44m

8 AM

3h 5m

10 AM

2h 51m

12 PM

2h 49m

3 PM

2h 52m

5 PM

3h 4m

8 PM

2h 37m

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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Independence, IA

Roger Ce

city in Polk County, Iowa, United States

Ankeny, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking on a journey from Independence, IA, to Ankeny, IA, covers 141.3 miles and is estimated to take about 2 hours and 43 minutes. This drive is easily manageable as a single-day trip, so you won't need to worry about finding overnight accommodations. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $22, making it an economical option for exploring the Midwest. You'll primarily navigate on the Avenue of the Saints, I-35, and US-20, offering a blend of highway and potentially some faster rural road driving.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

70.7 miles from Independence, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 22m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Avenue of the Saints	66.5 mi	1h 16m
I 35	49.6 mi	53m
US 20	21.2 mi	24m
East 1st Street	1.4 mi	3m
3rd Avenue Southeast	1.3 mi	2m
Southwest Walnut Street	0.2 mi	<1m
1st Street East	0.1 mi	<1m
Southwest 3rd Street	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 66.5 mi, about 1h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on 5th Avenue Southeast

42 ft · 9 sec · 5th Avenue Southeast

Turn left onto IA 150; CR D22

0.1 mi · 18 sec · 1st Street East

Turn left onto IA 150

1.3 mi · 2 min · 3rd Avenue Southeast

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 48 sec

Merge onto US 20

21 mi · 24 min · US 20

Keep slight left at fork onto US 20; IA 27

66 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Avenue of the Saints

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 54 sec

Toward I 35 South: Des Moines Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 35

50 mi · 53 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec

Exit 92 Toward 1st Street

Keep slight right at fork

301 ft · 9 sec

Turn straight onto East 1st Street

1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street

Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Southwest Walnut Street

Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

48 ft · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street

Arrive at destination

Southwest 3rd Street

Trip Plan

For this relatively short, 2-hour-and-43-minute drive, you have the flexibility to depart at a time that suits you best, though an early start can help you maximize your day in Ankeny. With only one designated stop potentially needed, consider a mid-drive break around the halfway point to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 66.5-mile stretch on the Avenue of the Saints, as services might be less frequent in certain sections. The manageable distance means you can easily plan for a comfortable arrival without feeling rushed.

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.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 70.7 miles from Independence, IA, or about 1h 22m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.5 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 31 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 70.7 miles or 1h 22m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 13m

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 Independence, 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 Independence, IA

This is one driving day of about 141.3 miles and 2h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Independence, 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 Avenue of the Saints for about 66.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Hardin County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Iowa Falls, IA

71 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

Iowa Falls, IA to Ankeny, IA

73.2 mi · 1h 27m

Pacing Suggestions

Waterloo, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Eldora, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 70.7 miles from Independence, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Avenue of the Saints if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 66.5 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 141.3

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.4 mi

The Mucky Duck Pub

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.1

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.8 mi

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.8 mi

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 111

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 100.9

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

Labyrinth Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Bookends Cafe

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+15152941383

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 121.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 121.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 121.1

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 131.2

Cambridge, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+15153834354

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 139.7 — 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 150; CR D22 / 1st Street East

Turn left onto IA 150; CR D22 / 1st Street East

Navigation decision point

89.5 mi into trip | ~1h 44m in

Take the exit toward I 35 South: Des Moines

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 35 South: Des Moines

89.8 mi into trip | ~1h 45m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

139.4 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in

Take the exit toward 1st Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 92 Toward 1st Street

139.7 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.09 one way

$44.18 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 49 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$24.25	$48.51
premium	$4.89	$27.19	$54.38
diesel	$5.61	$31.20	$62.39

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 49.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	42.4	$14.84	$6.78
Efficient EV	35.3	$12.36	$5.65
EV Truck/SUV	56.5	$19.78	$9.04

Gas CO2

49 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (65% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Independence, IA

Late night in Independence on Sunday

Local time

2:34 AM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ankeny, IA

Late night in Ankeny on Sunday

Local time

2:34 AM

CDT

Current temp

35°F

Mostly Clear

NW 14 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:33AM CDT until April 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Omaha/Valley NE

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 17 at 10:38PM CDT until April 24 at 7:00AM 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

35 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

2h 43m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

What kind of drive is this?

This route presents a mixed driving experience, with approximately 50% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches on the Avenue of the Saints, including one continuous segment of 66.5 miles, which likely offers a more direct and potentially faster pace. The transition between these main roads, like I-35 and US-20, will introduce variations in the driving environment, moving from potentially more open highway to sections that might feel more like traversing through towns or agricultural areas. Expect a blend of speeds and road types as you make your way across Iowa.

50% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

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

Longest single stretch: 66.5 mi on Avenue of the Saints.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near IA 150; CR D22 / 1st Street East.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 141.3 miles you will encounter 11 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: near the start (IA 150; CR D22 / 1st Street East): Navigation decision point; at 89.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 89.8 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 43m. Total distance: 141.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (50%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 66.5 miles on Avenue of the Saints. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

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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Trip from Independence, IA to Ankeny, 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

Ankeny Cafe

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Ankeny Cafe

Cafe Diem

The Mucky Duck Pub

Main Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

It's My Jam Cafe

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

Provisions Lot F

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Cafe Diem

Vinyl Cafe

KaffeGeita

Juniper & Olive Co.

Labyrinth Coffee

Bookends Cafe

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Discover Ames

Center Grove Orchard

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Independence, IA

Ankeny, IA

Same local time

35 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 43m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

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

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