Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Manly, 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

3h 24m

Distance

177.1 mi

285 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 12m ★
6 AM
3h 24m
8 AM
3h 49m
10 AM
3h 33m
12 PM
3h 31m
3 PM
3h 34m
5 PM
3h 48m
8 PM
3h 17m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
American city in Iowa

Manly, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Indiana, IA, IA

Indiana, IA

Kelly

Trip Overview

This 177.1-mile drive from Manly, IA to Indiana, IA is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 3 hours and 24 minutes. You'll be covering ground primarily on the Avenue of the Saints and IA 5, with a portion on the Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway. With a fuel cost estimated at $28, this route offers an economical option for exploring within the Midwest. The journey is characterized by a turn-heavy local drive feel, suggesting frequent changes in direction rather than long, straight stretches. Given its manageable length, you can easily complete this in a single day.

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

88.6 miles from Manly, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Avenue of the Saints 115.8 mi 2h 4m
IA 5 35.4 mi 42m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway 10.7 mi 12m
State Highway 9 7.1 mi 9m
I 80 2.6 mi 2m
County Highway G76 2 mi 3m
East South Street 0.5 mi 1m
North Broadway Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 115.8 mi, about 2h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

264 ft · 21 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto North Broadway Street

0.2 mi · 55 sec · North Broadway Street
3

Turn right onto IA 9

0.5 mi · 1 min · East South Street
4

Continue on IA 9

7.1 mi · 9 min · State Highway 9
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 48 sec
6

Merge onto I 35; IA 27

116 mi · 2 hr 4 min · Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

0.2 mi · 12 sec · I 35
Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
8

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 2 min
Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport
9

Merge onto I 80

2.6 mi · 2 min · I 80
10

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 141 Toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto US 65

11 mi · 12 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
13

Continue on IA 5

19 mi · 21 min · IA 5
14

Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92

11 mi · 11 min · IA 5; IA 92
15

Take the exit onto IA 5

0.5 mi · 1 min · IA 5
16

Turn right onto IA 5

5.8 mi · 8 min · IA 5
17

Turn sharp right onto CR G76

0.2 mi · 24 sec · County Highway G76
18

Continue on CR G76

1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76
19

Arrive at destination

CR G76

Trip Plan

For this 177.1-mile drive, a single day is more than sufficient, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one primary stop to break up the 3-hour and 24-minute duration, perhaps during your longest stretch on the Avenue of the Saints. With a fuel cost around $28, it's an affordable trip, but always keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when you're on the local road segments. A helpful tip: since this route features many turns, ensure your navigation is set up and easily visible to avoid missing any crucial exits or road changes.

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 88.6 miles from Manly, IA, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 115.8 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 39 miles or 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 88.6 miles or 1h 39m 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 44m

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 Manly, 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 Manly, IA

This is one driving day of about 177.1 miles and 3h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Manly, 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 115.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Polk County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ankeny, IA

89 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 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ames, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 88.6 miles from Manly, 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 115.8 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

The Mucky Duck Pub

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 101.2

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152328888

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

1.9 mi

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Story City, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 88.6

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

The Mucky Duck Pub

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152328888

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.5

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15152339004

Visit website

Cafe con Leche

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.5

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15152628435

Visit website

Provisions Lot F

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155981783

Visit website

It's My Jam Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.5

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15158955526

Visit website

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

Now Or Later Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.5

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152669777

Visit website

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 88.6

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 126.5

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 75.9

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 50.6

Dows, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 101.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 101.2

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 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 127.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | North Broadway Street

Turn right onto North Broadway Street

Navigation decision point

5
8.3 mi into trip | ~13m in | I 35; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

Merge onto I 35; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
124.1 mi into trip | ~2h 18m 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...
5
124.3 mi into trip | ~2h 18m in

Take the exit toward I 80 East: Davenport

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport
8
127.7 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in

Take the exit toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines

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 141 Toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.69 one way

$55.38 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 62 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.40 $60.80
premium $4.89 $34.08 $68.16
diesel $5.61 $39.10 $78.20

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 62 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 53.1 0 $18.60 $8.50
Efficient EV 44.3 0 $15.50 $7.08
EV Truck/SUV 70.8 0 $24.79 $11.33

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 kg (66% 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

Manly, IA

Night in Manly on Saturday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indiana, IA

Night in Indiana on Saturday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°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

25 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

3h 24m 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 dynamic driving experience on this route, described as a 'turn-heavy local drive.' While 26% of your journey will be on highways, much of the drive will involve navigating local roads with frequent turns, so keep your attention sharp. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 115.8 miles along the Avenue of the Saints, offering a period of more consistent travel before you transition back to more varied road conditions. This mix means you won't be on a monotonous interstate for the entire trip; instead, you'll experience a more engaging drive as you make your way to Indiana, IA.

Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 115.8 mi on Avenue of the Saints.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North Broadway Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 177.1 miles you will encounter 13 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 (North Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 8.3 miles (I 35; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 124.1 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Manly, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Davenport and Des Moines.

Council Bluffs

124.1 mi in | ~2h 18m | via I 35

Davenport

124.1 mi in | ~2h 18m | via I 35

Des Moines

127.7 mi in | ~2h 23m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 24m. Total distance: 177.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 115.8 miles on Avenue of the Saints. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 8.3 miles (I 35; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 124.1 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Indiana, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Indiana, IA

Sheldon, IA 272.4 mi · 5h 33m Lake Park, IA 266.1 mi · 5h 31m Remsen, IA 253.7 mi · 5h 2m Milford, IA 248.4 mi · 5h 4m

More from Manly, IA

Council Bluffs, IA 257.5 mi · 4h 46m Waterloo, IA 92.3 mi · 1h 56m Hanlontown, IA 9.5 mi · 15m

More trips to Indiana, IA

George, IA 291.6 mi Orange City, IA 288.1 mi Akron, IA 274.3 mi Alton, IA 268.7 mi Sanborn, IA 262.8 mi Arnolds Park, IA 253.3 mi
Escape planner: Manly, IA Scenic drives in IA

Explore more options from Manly, IA or browse trips ending in Indiana, IA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.