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Trip from Oakland, 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 32m

Distance

123.7 mi

199 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 23m ★
6 AM
2h 33m
8 AM
2h 53m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 38m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 52m
8 PM
2h 27m

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 located in Iowa, United States

Oakland, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Indiana, IA, IA

Indiana, IA

Kelly

Trip Overview

This straightforward 123.7-mile drive from Oakland, Iowa, to Indiana, Iowa, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes. With 82% of the journey on highways, you'll experience a predominantly fast-paced drive. The estimated fuel cost is around $19, making it an economical option. This route stays within the Midwest, offering a consistent regional feel throughout. It's a practical choice for a quick journey between these two Iowa points, requiring no overnight stops.

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

61.8 miles from Oakland, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 63.7 mi 1h 9m
IA 5 35.4 mi 42m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway 10.7 mi 12m
30th Street 3 mi 7m
I 80 2.6 mi 2m
330th Street 2.5 mi 6m
County Highway G76 2 mi 3m
Dogwood Avenue 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 63.7 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Oakland Drive

0.2 mi · 42 sec · Oakland Drive
2

Turn right onto Dogwood Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Dogwood Avenue
3

Turn right onto 30th Street

3.0 mi · 7 min · 30th Street
4

Continue on 330th Street

2.5 mi · 6 min · 330th Street
5

At end of road, turn right onto Dows Williams Road

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Dows Williams Road
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Toward Woolstock
7

Merge onto I 35

64 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

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
9

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 2 min
Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport
10

Merge onto I 80

2.6 mi · 2 min · I 80
11

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 141 Toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines Use the slight right lane.
12

Merge onto US 65

11 mi · 12 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
14

Continue on IA 5

19 mi · 21 min · IA 5
15

Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92

11 mi · 11 min · IA 5; IA 92
16

Take the exit onto IA 5

0.5 mi · 1 min · IA 5
17

Turn right onto IA 5

5.8 mi · 8 min · IA 5
18

Turn sharp right onto CR G76

0.2 mi · 24 sec · County Highway G76
19

Continue on CR G76

1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76
20

Arrive at destination

CR G76

Trip Plan

Given its manageable 2-hour and 32-minute duration, this drive is ideal for a morning departure, allowing you ample time to reach your destination without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to break. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 63.7-mile stretch on I 35, to ensure you don't need to detour for gas unexpectedly. The relatively short distance means you can adapt your schedule easily based on traffic or personal preference.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 61.8 miles from Oakland, IA, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.7 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 27 miles or 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61.8 miles or 1h 16m 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 3m

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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, IA

This is one driving day of about 123.7 miles and 2h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Oakland, 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 I 35 for about 63.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Des Moines, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Des Moines, IA

62 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

Des Moines, IA to Indiana, IA

48.2 mi · 1h 5m

Pacing Suggestions

Ames, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ankeny, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 61.8 miles from Oakland, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 63.7 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

Now Or Later Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.5

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152669777

Visit website

Now Or Later Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.5

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152669777

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 70.7

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Inexpensiv mile 79.5

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152622775

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 44.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 44.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 44.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 44.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 44.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 44.2

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 44.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 44.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 44.2

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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 6.4 and 74.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
6.4 mi into trip | ~15m in | Dows Williams Road

At end of road, turn right onto Dows Williams Road

Navigation decision point

5
6.7 mi into trip | ~16m in

Take the ramp toward Woolstock

Navigation decision point

Toward Woolstock
5
7.1 mi into trip | ~17m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
70.7 mi into trip | ~1h 26m 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...
8
74.3 mi into trip | ~1h 31m 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

$19.34 one way

$38.68 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.23 $42.47
premium $4.89 $23.80 $47.61
diesel $5.61 $27.31 $54.62

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 43.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 37.1 0 $12.99 $5.94
Efficient EV 30.9 0 $10.82 $4.95
EV Truck/SUV 49.5 0 $17.32 $7.92

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

14 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 16, 2026

Origin

Oakland, IA

Morning in Oakland on Sunday

Local time

7:06 AM

CDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indiana, IA

Morning in Indiana on Sunday

Local time

7:06 AM

CDT

Current temp

80°F

Sunny

SSW 10 mph 0% chance 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

30 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 32m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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 experience on this route, with 82% of the drive utilizing major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I 35, including a continuous stretch of 63.7 miles. The 'Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway' designation suggests a well-maintained, likely multi-lane environment for much of the trip. While primarily a highway drive, the inclusion of IA 5 might introduce brief transitions to slightly less direct, though still efficient, roadways.

82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.7 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and IA 5. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.4 miles in near Dows Williams Road.

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 14 significant decision points across 123.7 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 6.4 miles (Dows Williams Road): Navigation decision point; at 6.7 miles: Navigation decision point; at 7.1 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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 Oakland, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Woolstock, Council Bluffs, Davenport and Des Moines.

Woolstock

6.7 mi in | ~16m

Council Bluffs

70.7 mi in | ~1h 26m | via I 35

Davenport

70.7 mi in | ~1h 26m | via I 35

Des Moines

74.3 mi in | ~1h 31m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 32m. Total distance: 123.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 63.7 miles on I 35. 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. 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: at 6.4 miles (Dows Williams Road): Navigation decision point; at 6.7 miles: Navigation decision point; at 7.1 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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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