Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Oelwein, IA to Ankeny, IA

Pin this trip

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

Drive Time

3h 6m

Distance

156.1 mi

251 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 55m ★
6 AM
3h 6m
8 AM
3h 29m
10 AM
3h 14m
12 PM
3h 12m
3 PM
3h 15m
5 PM
3h 28m
8 PM
2h 59m

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
Downtown Oelwein, IA, IA

Oelwein, IA

Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto

city in Polk County, Iowa, United States

Ankeny, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 156.1-mile journey from Oelwein, IA to Ankeny, IA is a straightforward drive entirely within the Midwest, taking approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes. It's perfectly suited as a day trip, with a manageable estimated fuel cost of $24. The route offers a mixed driving experience, making it neither a grueling interstate marathon nor a slow, winding country road. With only one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Consider this a practical, no-fuss drive connecting two points in Iowa.

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

78 miles from Oelwein, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Avenue of the Saints 66.5 mi 1h 16m
I 35 49.6 mi 53m
US 20 21.2 mi 24m
Jackson Avenue 6.5 mi 9m
Jamestown Avenue 4.3 mi 6m
East 1st Street 1.4 mi 3m
3rd Avenue Southeast 1.3 mi 2m
Palace Road 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 66.5 mi, about 1h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Oelwein, IA and Ankeny, IA.

1

Start on South Frederick Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Frederick Avenue
2

Turn left onto 10th Street Southeast

0.2 mi · 24 sec · 10th Street Southeast
3

Turn right onto IA 150

0.5 mi · 45 sec · Rock Island Road
4

Continue on Palace Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Palace Road
5

Continue on IA 150

1.5 mi · 2 min · Jackson Avenue
6

Continue on IA 150

0.7 mi · 1 min · Main Street North
7

Continue on IA 150

5.0 mi · 7 min · Jackson Avenue
8

Continue on IA 150

4.3 mi · 6 min · Jamestown Avenue
9

Continue on IA 150

1.0 mi · 1 min · 5th Avenue Northeast
10

Turn right onto IA 150; CR D22

0.1 mi · 18 sec · 1st Street East
11

Turn left onto IA 150

1.3 mi · 2 min · 3rd Avenue Southeast
12

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 48 sec
13

Merge onto US 20

21 mi · 24 min · US 20
14

Keep slight left at fork onto US 20; IA 27

66 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Avenue of the Saints
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 54 sec
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines Use the slight right lane.
16

Merge onto I 35

50 mi · 53 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Exit 92 Toward 1st Street
18

Keep slight right at fork

301 ft · 9 sec
19

Turn straight onto East 1st Street

1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
20

Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
21

Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

48 ft · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
22

Arrive at destination

Southwest 3rd Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 3-hour duration, departing Oelwein in the morning allows ample time to reach Ankeny without feeling rushed. With only one stop suggested, you have flexibility in planning your break, perhaps around the halfway point or when you hit a longer stretch of highway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 66.5-mile segment on Avenue of the Saints, as services might be less frequent. The $24 fuel cost is a good estimate to budget for, ensuring a smooth and predictable trip.

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 78 miles from Oelwein, IA, or about 1h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.5 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 34 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 78 miles or 1h 36m 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 33m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Oelwein, 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 Oelwein, IA

This is one driving day of about 156.1 miles and 3h 6m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Oelwein, 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 66.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Eldora, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Eldora, IA

78 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

Elk Run Heights, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Eldora, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 78 miles from Oelwein, 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 66.5 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 · home stretch

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 0min to go 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

Main Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

2.1 mi

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.9 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 27min to go 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.2 mi

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

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

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

Main Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+15159647141

Visit website

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15152339004

Visit website

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15154505004

Visit website

Business Cafe

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15152949081

Visit website

Coffee Attic & Book Cellar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 5 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Iowa Falls, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+16416486771

Visit website

Casey's

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

Final third 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Roland, Iowa

Hours: 5 am–10 pm

+15152175571

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.2 mi from route

Story City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

Center Grove Orchard

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Cambridge, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+15153834354

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 104.3 and 156.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
104.3 mi into trip | ~2h 6m in

Take the exit toward I 35 South: Des Moines

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
5
104.6 mi into trip | ~2h 7m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
154.2 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in

Take the exit toward 1st Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 92 Toward 1st Street
5
154.5 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
156.1 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in | Southwest 3rd Street

Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.40 one way

$48.81 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $26.80 $53.59
premium $4.89 $30.04 $60.08
diesel $5.61 $34.46 $68.93

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$24

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$49–$74

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 54.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 46.8 0 $16.39 $7.49
Efficient EV 39 0 $13.66 $6.24
EV Truck/SUV 62.4 0 $21.85 $9.99

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

18 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 20, 2026

Origin

Oelwein, IA

Late night in Oelwein on Tuesday

Local time

4:19 AM

CDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ankeny, IA

Late night in Ankeny on Tuesday

Local time

4:19 AM

CDT

Current temp

60°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

1 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 6m 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?

The drive is characterized by a 45% highway share, meaning you'll experience a blend of faster-paced travel and more traditional road conditions. You'll encounter stretches on Avenue of the Saints, I 35, and US 20. The longest uninterrupted section spans 66.5 miles on Avenue of the Saints, providing a good opportunity to settle into a steady pace. This mixed drive profile suggests a varied experience, transitioning between different types of roadways as you progress toward Ankeny.

45% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.5 mi on Avenue of the Saints.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 104.3 miles in.

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 156.1 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: at 104.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.6 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 154.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

About the Cities

Starting in Oelwein, IA

Full guide →

Founded 1872

Arriving in Ankeny, IA

Full guide →

Ankeny is a suburb of Des Moines in Central Iowa.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 6m. Total distance: 156.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (45%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 66.5 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.

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.

The main spots that need attention: at 104.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.6 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 154.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Ankeny, 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 Ankeny, IA

Lake Park, IA 211.2 mi · 4h 25m Bellevue, IA 200.5 mi · 4h 6m Cascade, IA 158 mi · 3h 12m Winfield, IA 156.5 mi · 2h 59m

More from Oelwein, IA

Indiana, IA 185.1 mi · 3h 50m Waterloo, IA 34.3 mi · 52m

More trips to Ankeny, IA

Hawarden, IA 248.4 mi Rock Rapids, IA 247.1 mi George, IA 235.1 mi Osceola County, IA 219.7 mi Orange City, IA 215.6 mi Le Mars, IA 207.1 mi
Escape planner: Oelwein, IA Scenic drives in IA

Explore more options from Oelwein, IA or browse trips ending in Ankeny, IA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.