Trip from Marshalltown, IA to Storm Lake, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 17m

Distance

164.2 mi

264 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 6m ★

6 AM

3h 18m

8 AM

3h 42m

10 AM

3h 26m

12 PM

3h 24m

3 PM

3h 27m

5 PM

3h 40m

8 PM

3h 11m

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 and the county seat of Marshall County, Iowa, United States

Marshalltown, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Storm Lake, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Marshalltown to Storm Lake covers 164.2 miles across the heart of the Midwest, typically taking about 3 hours and 17 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via US 20, the Lincoln Highway, and I-35, ensuring a straightforward journey through Iowa. Budgeting approximately $25 for fuel should comfortably cover your gas expenses for the trip. Since the drive is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time based on your own schedule. It is a practical, efficient path that connects these two Midwestern communities with minimal stress.

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

82.1 miles from Marshalltown, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 20	81.3 mi	1h 33m
Lincoln Highway	33.3 mi	38m
I 35	30.4 mi	32m
US 71	11.3 mi	15m
US 71 Business	3.1 mi	7m
South Center Street	2.3 mi	3m
North 3rd Avenue	0.8 mi	1m
East Anson Street	0.3 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: US 20 — 81.3 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Marshalltown, IA and Storm Lake, IA.

Start on IA 14

0.8 mi · 1 min · North 3rd Avenue

Turn right onto IA 14

0.3 mi · 29 sec · East Anson Street

Turn left onto IA 14

2.3 mi · 3 min · South Center Street

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 48 sec

Merge onto US 30

33 mi · 38 min · Lincoln Highway

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis

Merge onto I 35

30 mi · 32 min · I 35

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 56 sec

Toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge

Merge onto US 20

81 mi · 1 hr 33 min · US 20

Take the exit onto US 71

0.4 mi · 57 sec · US 71

Toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake

Turn right onto US 71

11 mi · 14 min · US 71

Turn left onto US 71 Business; IA 7

3.1 mi · 7 min · US 71 Business; IA 7

Continue on Grand Avenue

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Grand Avenue

Arrive at destination

Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 164.2-mile journey, try to plan for one strategic stop to break up the drive. Since the route is efficient, you have the freedom to depart whenever works best for you, though mid-morning starts often provide the smoothest traffic flow. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge when you transition between US 20 and I-35, as this is a good time to stretch your legs and refuel. Because the majority of this drive is on highways, stay alert during the long 81.3-mile stretch on US 20 to maintain your focus. Taking this single, planned break will keep you refreshed for the final leg of your trip to Storm Lake.

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 82.1 miles from Marshalltown, IA, or about 1h 35m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 81.3 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 36 miles or 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 82.1 miles or 1h 35m 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 36m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Marshalltown, 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 Marshalltown, IA

This is one driving day of about 164.2 miles and 3h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Marshalltown, 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 81.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oakland, IA

82 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

Ames, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Webster City, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 82.1 miles from Marshalltown, 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 81.3 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

Maid-Rite Marshalltown IA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+16417539684

Visit website

Smokin' G's BBQ Catering

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

0.3 mi

OPA! Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

0.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Grounded

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+16416548451

Visit website

Most Wanted Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

1.4 mi

Holy grounds coffee llc

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

3 mi

Maid-Rite Marshalltown IA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+16417539684

Visit website

Smokin' G's BBQ Catering

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16417534147

Visit website

OPA! Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+16417583322

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+16417583380

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 46.9

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Holy grounds coffee llc

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 58.6

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 35.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 35.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 35.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 82.1

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 82.1

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 164.2

Storm Lake, Iowa

+18006360986

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 35.2

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Sub City

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–7 pm

+16417521375

Taylor's

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

Visit website

The Spot

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+16417526014

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 35.2

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 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 149.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.8 mi into trip | ~1m in | IA 14 / East Anson Street

Turn right onto IA 14 / East Anson Street

Navigation decision point

1 mi into trip | ~1m in | IA 14 / South Center Street

Turn left onto IA 14 / South Center Street

Navigation decision point

37 mi into trip | ~45m in

Take the exit toward I 35 North: Minneapolis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis

68 mi into trip | ~1h 19m in

Take the exit toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge

149.6 mi into trip | ~2h 53m in | US 71

Take the exit onto US 71 toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake

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

Toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.67 one way

$51.34 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 58 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$28.19	$56.37
premium	$4.89	$31.60	$63.20
diesel	$5.61	$36.25	$72.51

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	49.3	$17.24	$7.88
Efficient EV	41.1	$14.37	$6.57
EV Truck/SUV	65.7	$22.99	$10.51

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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

Marshalltown, IA

Night in Marshalltown on Saturday

Local time

11:25 PM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Storm Lake, IA

Night in Storm Lake on Saturday

Local time

11:25 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°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

6 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 17m 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?

This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 77% of your time spent on major roads. You should prepare for a steady, consistent pace rather than winding, technical roads, as the route is designed for efficiency. A significant portion of your journey includes a longest stretch of 81.3 miles on US 20, where you can expect uninterrupted driving. The transition between the Lincoln Highway and the interstate segments keeps the pace moving quickly. Overall, the road feels purposeful and direct, making it a reliable choice if you prioritize reaching Storm Lake in a predictable amount of time.

77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

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

Longest single stretch: 81.3 mi on US 20.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 20 and Lincoln Highway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in near IA 14 / East Anson Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 17m 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 0.8 miles (IA 14 / East Anson Street): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (IA 14 / South Center Street): Navigation decision point; at 37 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 17m. Total distance: 164.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (77%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 81.3 miles on US 20. 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.

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.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Storm Lake, 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.

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Explore more options from Marshalltown, IA or browse trips ending in Storm Lake, IA.

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Trip from Marshalltown, IA to Storm Lake, 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

Maid-Rite Marshalltown IA

Grounded

Maid-Rite Marshalltown IA

Smokin' G's BBQ Catering

OPA! Grill

Tremont on Main Restaurants and Inn

Adelina's Grill

The Flying Elbow

Niland's Cafe

Wayward Social

Grounded

Most Wanted Coffee

KaffeGeita

Holy grounds coffee llc

Juniper & Olive Co.

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Cafe Diem

Vinyl Cafe

Red E Charging Station

Red E Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Sub City

Taylor's

The Spot

Discover Ames

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Marshalltown, IA

Storm Lake, IA

Same local time

6 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 17m 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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