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Trip from Indiana, IA to Marengo, 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 5m

Distance

94.1 mi

151 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min
4 AM
1h 56m ★
6 AM
2h 5m
8 AM
2h 23m
10 AM
2h 12m
12 PM
2h 10m
3 PM
2h 13m
5 PM
2h 22m
8 PM
2h 0m

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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Downtown Indiana, IA, IA

Indiana, IA

Kelly

city and county of Iowa County, Iowa, United States

Marengo, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 94.1-mile drive from Indiana, IA, to Marengo, IA, is a straightforward trip perfect for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete. You'll primarily navigate via I-80, State Highway 14, and 380th Avenue, with about 72% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $15, making it an economical option for a short excursion within the Midwest. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is best suited as a day trip, allowing for flexibility without the need for an overnight stay. The overall feel is one of efficient travel, connecting two points within Iowa.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

47 miles from Indiana, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 37.2 mi 39m
State Highway 14 23.3 mi 34m
380th Avenue 15.4 mi 21m
IA 5 7.6 mi 11m
220th Street 3.6 mi 5m
South Lincoln Street 2.2 mi 3m
County Highway G76 2 mi 3m
South Monroe Street 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 37.2 mi, about 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on CR G76

1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76
2

Continue on CR G76

0.2 mi · 26 sec · County Highway G76
3

Turn sharp left onto IA 5

6.1 mi · 9 min · IA 5
4

Take the ramp onto IA 5

1.5 mi · 1 min · IA 5
5

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
6

Turn right onto IA 14

2.2 mi · 3 min · South Lincoln Street
7

Continue on IA 14

13 mi · 18 min · State Highway 14
8

Continue on IA 14

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Monroe Street
9

Continue on IA 14

11 mi · 16 min · State Highway 14
10

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 41 sec
11

Merge onto I 80

37 mi · 39 min · I 80
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward IA 21: Belle Plain, What Cheer
13

Turn right onto IA 21

3.6 mi · 5 min · 220th Street
14

Turn right onto US 6

15 mi · 21 min · 380th Avenue
15

Turn left onto IA 212

0.6 mi · 59 sec · Western Avenue
16

Turn right onto West Marion Street

0.2 mi · 47 sec · West Marion Street
17

Turn left

135 ft · 10 sec
18

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a duration of just over 2 hours, this 94.1-mile drive offers considerable flexibility. You can depart in the morning and be at your destination with plenty of daylight remaining, or opt for an afternoon trip. Since there are no specific stops recommended and the fuel cost is a modest $15, you can easily adjust your schedule. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 37.2-mile stretch on I-80, to ensure you don't need to detour for gas. The relatively short length means you can be spontaneous with your departure time.

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 47 miles from Indiana, IA, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.2 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 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 47 miles or 1h 6m 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 40m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Marengo, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Indiana, 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 Indiana, IA

This is one driving day of about 94.1 miles and 2h 5m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Indiana, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 37.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and the county seat of Jasper County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Newton, IA

47 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

Monroe, IA

Fuel and coffee

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

Newton, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 47 miles from Indiana, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Casa Magnolia

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marengo, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 94.1

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13197412060

Lucky 6 Lanes

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marengo, Iowa

0.7 mi

DK'S Eatery

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Marengo, Iowa

0.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Brewed + Bronzed Boutique

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marengo, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 94.1

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13197415241

Visit website

Casa Magnolia

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 94.1

Marengo, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13197412060

Lucky 6 Lanes

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 94.1

Marengo, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13196427722

Visit website

DK'S Eatery

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 94.1

Marengo, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+13197415005

Casey's

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.1

Marengo, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13193877037

Visit website

Champs Chicken

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv mile 94.1

Marengo, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–6:30 pm

+13196425551

Visit website

Frontier Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 53.7

Grinnell, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–8 pm

+16412360630

Red Pride Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 40.3

Newton, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16418412617

West Side Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 53.7

Grinnell, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+16412365939

Visit website

Brewed + Bronzed Boutique

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 94.1

Marengo, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13197415241

Visit website

Saints Rest Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 53.7

Grinnell, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+16412366014

Visit website

Comeback Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 53.7

Grinnell, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16412360176

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 53.7

Grinnell, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 73.9

Brooklyn, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

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 2 and 93.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2 mi into trip | ~3m in | IA 5

Turn sharp left onto IA 5

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

4
8.1 mi into trip | ~12m in | IA 5

Take the ramp onto IA 5

Navigation decision point

5
74.1 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Take the exit toward IA 21: Belle Plain, What Cheer

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

Toward IA 21: Belle Plain, What Cheer
4
74.3 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in | IA 21 / 220th Street

Turn right onto IA 21 / 220th Street

Navigation decision point

4
93.3 mi into trip | ~2h 3m in | IA 212 / Western Avenue

Turn left onto IA 212 / Western Avenue

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.71 one way

$29.42 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 33 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $16.15 $32.31
premium $4.89 $18.11 $36.22
diesel $5.61 $20.78 $41.55

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: 32.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.2 0 $9.88 $4.52
Efficient EV 23.5 0 $8.23 $3.76
EV Truck/SUV 37.6 0 $13.17 $6.02

Gas CO2

33 kg

EV CO2

11 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

Indiana, IA

Late night in Indiana on Sunday

Local time

2:32 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Marengo, IA

Late night in Marengo on Sunday

Local time

2:32 AM

CDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

72°F

Newton, IA

47 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

1 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

2h 5m 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 highway-focused drive for most of this 94.1-mile journey, with 72% of the route utilizing faster roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 37.2 miles on I-80, offering a period of consistent travel. While predominantly highway, the inclusion of State Highway 14 and 380th Avenue will introduce some variation in road type as you progress. This mix means you'll experience both the efficiency of interstate driving and potentially more local road conditions, keeping the drive engaging.

72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37.2 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and State Highway 14. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in near IA 5.

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 2h 5m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (IA 5): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 8.1 miles (IA 5): Navigation decision point; at 74.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Indiana, IA to Marengo, IA, road signs begin pointing toward What Cheer along the way.

What Cheer

74.1 mi in | ~1h 35m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 5m. Total distance: 94.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (72%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 37.2 miles on I 80. 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.

The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (IA 5): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 8.1 miles (IA 5): Navigation decision point; at 74.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Marengo, 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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