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Trip from Jefferson, IA to Indiana, 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 23m

Distance

112.3 mi

181 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 14m ★
6 AM
2h 24m
8 AM
2h 43m
10 AM
2h 31m
12 PM
2h 29m
3 PM
2h 32m
5 PM
2h 42m
8 PM
2h 18m

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 Greene County, Iowa, United States

Jefferson, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Indiana, IA, IA

Indiana, IA

Kelly

Trip Overview

This 112.3-mile drive from Jefferson, IA to Indiana, IA is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes. You'll primarily navigate using IA 5 and George P. Soumas Memorial Highway, with a portion on Northwest Granger Drive also in the mix. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $18, making it an economical option for a quick excursion within the Midwest. Given its manageable distance and duration, it’s ideal for a day trip, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. This route offers a practical way to travel between two points in Iowa, keeping you on familiar roads for the most part.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

56.2 miles from Jefferson, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 14m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
IA 5 36 mi 44m
George P. Soumas Memorial Highway 17.7 mi 24m
Northwest Granger Drive 16.5 mi 19m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway 12.9 mi 14m
Neola Avenue 8.5 mi 11m
I 35 4.6 mi 5m
I 80 3.3 mi 3m
Northwest 114th Street 2.6 mi 3m
Longest stretch: IA 5 — 36 mi, about 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Lincolnway Street

22 ft · 4 sec · West Lincolnway Street
2

Turn right onto IA 4

1.2 mi · 2 min · South Elm Street
3

Continue on IA 4

0.7 mi · 55 sec · N Avenue
4

Continue on South Elm Street

0.4 mi · 29 sec · South Elm Street
5

Continue on IA 4

8.5 mi · 11 min · Neola Avenue
6

Continue on IA 4

1.3 mi · 1 min · State Highway 4
7

At end of road, turn left onto IA 4; IA 141

0.4 mi · 35 sec · George P. Soumas Memorial Highway
8

Keep slight left at fork onto IA 141

17 mi · 23 min · George P. Soumas Memorial Highway
9

Continue on IA 141

16 mi · 19 min · Northwest Granger Drive
10

Continue on IA 141

2.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 114th Street
11

Continue on IA 141

1.0 mi · 1 min · Northeast Grimes Boulevard
12

Continue on IA 141

0.6 mi · 49 sec · Grimes Boulevard
13

Continue on IA 141

1.8 mi · 2 min · Southeast Grimes Boulevard
14

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I-35 south, I-80 west: Kansas City, Council Bluffs Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Merge onto I 80; I 35

3.3 mi · 3 min · I 80; I 35
Use the slight right lane.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

4.6 mi · 5 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 68 Toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport, West Des Moines, Norwalk Use the slight right lane.
18

Continue on IA 5

13 mi · 14 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Take the exit onto IA 5

19 mi · 22 min · IA 5
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
20

Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92

11 mi · 11 min · IA 5; IA 92
21

Take the exit onto IA 5

0.5 mi · 1 min · IA 5
22

Turn right onto IA 5

5.8 mi · 8 min · IA 5
23

Turn sharp right onto CR G76

0.2 mi · 24 sec · County Highway G76
24

Continue on CR G76

1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76
25

Arrive at destination

CR G76

Trip Plan

With a total travel time of just over two hours, this trip from Jefferson to Indiana, IA offers a lot of flexibility for when you depart. You won't need to worry about splitting the drive, so you can leave whenever it suits your schedule. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 36-mile stretch on IA 5, as services might be less frequent during that segment. The estimated fuel cost of $18 suggests that topping up before you leave Jefferson would be a wise move. Since there are no designated stops in the data, plan for a brief break as needed to stay refreshed.

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 56.2 miles from Jefferson, IA, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36 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 25 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 56.2 miles or 1h 14m 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 56m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Jefferson, 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 Jefferson, IA

This is one driving day of about 112.3 miles and 2h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Jefferson, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on IA 5 for about 36 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Warren County and Polk County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Norwalk, IA

56 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

Norwalk, IA to Indiana, IA

47.1 mi · 1h 1m

Pacing Suggestions

Dallas Center, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Clive, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 56.2 miles from Jefferson, 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

Mi Mexico Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Clive, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56.2

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152226933

Visit website

Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery - Indian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

1 mi

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clive, Iowa

1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Vintage Road Coffee Co. - MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 56.2

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13193210534

Visit website

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clive, Iowa

1.4 mi

TMC Chrome Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

1.1 mi

Mi Mexico Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56.2

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152226933

Visit website

Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery - Indian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56.2

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15153481054

Visit website

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 56.2

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15155133330

Visit website

Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $30 to $40 mile 56.2

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152256005

Visit website

Midnight Coffee & Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56.2

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15152141392

Visit website

Club Car Restaurant & Lounge- Clive

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 56.2

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152261729

Visit website

Machine Shed Restaurant Urbandale

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56.2

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+15152706818

Visit website

El Toreado Restaurant Bar & Grill . EP True

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56.2

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152262182

Visit website

Vintage Road Coffee Co. - MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 56.2

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13193210534

Visit website

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56.2

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+15155090915

Visit website

TMC Chrome Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 64.2

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15154758085

Life Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56.2

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Hyper Energy Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 56.2

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15156446155

Visit website

Vintage Road Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 40.1

Granger, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+13193210534

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 56.2

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15152078041

Visit website

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 56.2

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+15156446331

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 48.1

Grimes, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Jefferson, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 48.1

Grimes, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 48.1

Grimes, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 48.1

Grimes, Iowa

+18006360986

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 24.1

Perry, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 24.1

Perry, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 56.2

Urbandale, Iowa

Z'Mariks Noodle Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56.2

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152239605

Visit website

Paris Banh Mi Windsor Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56.2

Windsor Heights, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7:30 pm

+15152778888

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 52.1 and 110.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
52.1 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in

Take the exit toward I-35 south, I-80 west: Kansas City, Council Bluffs

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. Toward I-35 south, I-80 west: Kansas City, Coun...
5
52.8 mi into trip | ~1h 10m in | I 80; I 35

Merge onto I 80; I 35

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

Use the slight right lane.
6
56 mi into trip | ~1h 14m in | I 35

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
60.6 mi into trip | ~1h 19m in

Take the exit toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport, West Des Moines, Norwalk

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 68 Toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport,...
5
110.3 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in | CR G76 / County Highway G76

Turn sharp right onto CR G76 / County Highway G76

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.56 one way

$35.11 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 39 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $19.28 $38.55
premium $4.89 $21.61 $43.22
diesel $5.61 $24.79 $49.59

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 39.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 33.7 0 $11.79 $5.39
Efficient EV 28.1 0 $9.83 $4.49
EV Truck/SUV 44.9 0 $15.72 $7.19

Gas CO2

39 kg

EV CO2

13 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

Jefferson, IA

Late night in Jefferson on Sunday

Local time

2:35 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indiana, IA

Late night in Indiana on Sunday

Local time

2:35 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Norwalk, IA

56 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

3 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 23m 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 mixed drive on this route, with about 40% of your journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches on IA 5, including a continuous segment of 36 miles, which offers a good opportunity to settle into a steady pace. The roads will likely shift between quicker highway driving and more local road segments as you make your way to Indiana, IA. This variation means you'll experience different driving conditions, keeping the journey engaging without being overly demanding. It’s a drive that balances efficiency with a more grounded, local feel.

40% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 36 mi on IA 5.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 52.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 112.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 52.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 52.8 miles (I 80; I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 56 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Jefferson, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Des Moines and Norwalk.

Council Bluffs

52.1 mi in | ~1h 9m

Des Moines

60.6 mi in | ~1h 19m

Norwalk

60.6 mi in | ~1h 19m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 23m. Total distance: 112.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (40%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 36 miles on IA 5. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Indiana, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 52.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 52.8 miles (I 80; I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 56 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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