Trip from Indiana, IA to Remsen, IA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 2m

Distance

253.7 mi

408 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$40

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 49m ★

6 AM

5h 3m

8 AM

5h 30m

10 AM

5h 12m

12 PM

5h 10m

3 PM

5h 14m

5 PM

5h 29m

8 PM

4h 55m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

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Indiana, IA

Kelly

Remsen, IA

cottonbro studio

Trip Overview

This 253.7-mile journey from Indiana, IA, to Remsen, IA, will take approximately 5 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Primarily utilizing County Highway G76 and Highway 5, this route is best suited for a single-day trip, especially given its manageable duration. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $39. As you travel within the Midwest region, expect a local driving experience with numerous turns, rather than high-speed highway travel. This trip offers a straightforward way to connect two points in Iowa.

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

126.9 miles from Indiana, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 28m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 20	121.1 mi	2h 21m
I 35	55 mi	59m
State Highway 5	18.2 mi	20m
IA 5	17 mi	21m
State Highway 140	15.1 mi	20m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway	10.3 mi	11m
Lee Avenue	5.4 mi	7m
County Highway G76	2 mi	3m

Longest stretch: US 20 — 121.1 mi, about 2h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on CR G76

1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76

Continue on CR G76

0.2 mi · 26 sec · County Highway G76

Turn sharp left onto IA 5

6.1 mi · 9 min · IA 5

Take the ramp onto IA 5

11 mi · 12 min · IA 5

Turn right

0.1 mi · 7 sec

Continue on IA 5

18 mi · 20 min · State Highway 5

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Merge onto US 65

10 mi · 11 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway

Take the exit

1.2 mi · 1 min

Exit 84 Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs

Merge onto I 80

0.9 mi · 1 min · I 80

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 137B Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 42 sec · this road

Exit 137B Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 52 sec · this road

Exit 137B Toward I-35 North: Minneapolis

Merge onto I 35

55 mi · 59 min · I 35

Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 56 sec

Toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge

Merge onto US 20

121 mi · 2 hr 21 min · US 20

Turn right onto L21

5.4 mi · 7 min · Lee Avenue

Continue on Shamrock Avenue

2.0 mi · 2 min · Shamrock Avenue

Turn left onto C66

2.0 mi · 2 min · 320th Street

Turn right onto IA 140

15 mi · 20 min · State Highway 140

Turn left onto IA 3

0.8 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3

Turn right onto Washington Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Washington Street

Arrive at destination

South Washington Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour duration, this route is comfortably achievable as a day trip. Consider an early morning departure from Indiana, IA, to maximize your daylight hours and allow ample time for the numerous turns. With only one recommended stop and no particularly long uninterrupted stretches, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as local roads can sometimes be less populated with services than major highways. A practical tip for this 'turn-heavy' route is to utilize GPS with clear turn-by-turn directions to stay on track.

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 126.9 miles from Indiana, IA, or about 2h 28m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 121.1 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 56 miles or 1h 9m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 126.9 miles or 2h 28m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 2m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Remsen, 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 253.7 miles and 5h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Indiana, 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 US 20 for about 121.1 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

127 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

Ankeny, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Webster City, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 126.9 miles from Indiana, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 121.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · early in the drive

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch · 1h 5m in 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

It's My Jam Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.4 mi

Main Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

2.7 mi

Best coffee break · early in the drive

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Story City, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch · 1h 48m in 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

It's My Jam Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15158955526

Visit website

Main Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+15159647141

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Smokey Row Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Pleasantville, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15158485959

Visit website

The Mucky Duck Pub

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152328888

Visit website

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15152339004

Visit website

Provisions Lot F

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155981783

Visit website

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15155160821

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Story City, Iowa

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

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 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 2 and 51.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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

Turn sharp left onto IA 5

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

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

Take the ramp onto IA 5

Navigation decision point

48.2 mi into trip | ~59m in

Take the exit toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 84 Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs

50.3 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in

Take the exit toward I-35 north: Minneapolis

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 137B Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis

51.6 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35 toward I 35 North: Minneapolis

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.66 one way

$79.33 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 89 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$43.55	$87.10
premium	$4.89	$48.82	$97.64
diesel	$5.61	$56.01	$112.03

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$40

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$65–$90

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 88.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	76.1	0	$26.64	$12.18
Efficient EV	63.4	0	$22.20	$10.15
EV Truck/SUV	101.5	1	$35.52	$16.24

Gas CO2

89 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (66% 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 Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Indiana, IA

Late night in Indiana on Tuesday

Local time

4:47 AM

CDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Remsen, IA

Late night in Remsen on Tuesday

Local time

4:47 AM

CDT

Current temp

59°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

2 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

5h 2m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll be navigating a series of county roads and state highways rather than interstates. With 0% highway share, you won't encounter long stretches of high-speed freeway. The route involves frequent changes in direction, keeping you engaged behind the wheel as you traverse the Iowa landscape. Prepare for a more intimate connection with the local road network, where speed limits and road conditions may vary more frequently.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

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

Longest single stretch: 121.1 mi on US 20.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 20 and I 35. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in near IA 5.

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 253.7 miles you will encounter 16 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 2 miles (IA 5): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 8.1 miles (IA 5): Navigation decision point; at 48.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 2m. Total distance: 253.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 121.1 miles on US 20. 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.

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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Remsen, IA before the return drive.

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 Indiana, IA to Remsen, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Cafe Diem

KaffeGeita

Cafe Diem

It's My Jam Cafe

Main Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)

Ankeny Cafe

Smokey Row Coffee

The Mucky Duck Pub

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

Provisions Lot F

KaffeGeita

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

EVgo Car Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Rest Area

Rest Area

Holstein Travel Center

Rest Area

Service Plaza

Casey's Truck Stop

Rest Area

Love's Travel Stop

Service Plaza

Flying J Travel Center

Flying J Travel Center

QuikTrip

Service Plaza

Discover Ames

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Indiana, IA

Remsen, IA

Same local time

2 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 2m 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?

Are there rest areas on this route?

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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