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Trip from Orange City, IA to Ankeny, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 21m

Distance

215.6 mi

347 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 8m ★
6 AM
4h 21m
8 AM
4h 48m
10 AM
4h 31m
12 PM
4h 28m
3 PM
4h 32m
5 PM
4h 47m
8 PM
4h 13m

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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Downtown Orange City, IA, IA

Orange City, IA

Levent Simsek

city in Polk County, Iowa, United States

Ankeny, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 215.6-mile drive from Orange City, IA, to Ankeny, IA, will take you about 4 hours and 21 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day road trip. The route primarily utilizes Highway 20 and I-35, with a portion on 220th Street, giving you a mixed driving experience across Iowa's Midwest landscape. With an estimated fuel cost of $34, this is an economical journey. Plan for just one recommended stop to break up the drive. This trip is straightforward and efficient, ideal for travelers looking to get from point A to point B with minimal fuss.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

107.8 miles from Orange City, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 17m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
220th Street 93.4 mi 1h 47m
I 35 49.1 mi 53m
Highway 20 19 mi 22m
State Highway 140 15.1 mi 20m
United States Highway 20 8.3 mi 10m
County Road L14 7 mi 9m
Lee Avenue 5.4 mi 7m
Kiwi Avenue 5 mi 6m
Longest stretch: 220th Street — 93.4 mi, about 1h 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on 2nd Street Northwest

430 ft · 25 sec · 2nd Street Northwest
2

Turn right onto Albany Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · Albany Avenue
3

Turn left onto IA 10

0.2 mi · 35 sec · 8th Street Southeast
Use the left lane.
4

Continue on IA 10

0.7 mi · 1 min · 450th Street
5

Enter roundabout onto 450th Street

79 ft · 4 sec · 450th Street
6

Continue on 450th Street

2.0 mi · 2 min · 450th Street
7

Turn right onto IA 10

0.8 mi · 1 min · Kennedy Avenue
8

Continue on IA 10

0.3 mi · 24 sec · State Highway 10
9

Continue on IA 10

1.8 mi · 2 min · 460th Street
10

Turn right onto L14

5.0 mi · 6 min · Kiwi Avenue
11

Continue on L14

7.0 mi · 9 min · County Road L14
12

Continue on IA 140

15 mi · 20 min · State Highway 140
13

Turn left onto C66

2.0 mi · 2 min · 320th Street
14

Turn right onto Shamrock Avenue

2.0 mi · 2 min · Shamrock Avenue
15

Continue on L21

5.4 mi · 7 min · Lee Avenue
16

Turn left onto US 20

19 mi · 22 min · Highway 20
Use the straight lane.
17

Continue on US 20

8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
18

Continue on US 20

93 mi · 1 hr 47 min · 220th Street
19

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
20

Merge onto I 35

49 mi · 53 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Exit 92 Toward 1st Street
22

Keep slight right at fork

301 ft · 9 sec
23

Turn straight onto East 1st Street

1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
24

Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
25

Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

48 ft · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
26

Arrive at destination

Southwest 3rd Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hour and 21 minute duration, starting your trip in Orange City in the morning is advisable to arrive in Ankeny with daylight to spare. While only one stop is recommended, consider taking a short break around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel if needed, especially since you'll be driving over 90 miles on 220th Street at one time. The fuel cost is estimated at $34, so budget accordingly. Being an Iowa-to-Iowa trip, you won't have to worry about state border crossings, keeping the journey smooth and straightforward.

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 107.8 miles from Orange City, IA, or about 2h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.4 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 47 miles or 1h 5m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 107.8 miles or 2h 17m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 36m

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 Orange City, 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 Orange City, IA

This is one driving day of about 215.6 miles and 4h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Orange City, 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 220th Street for about 93.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Greene County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jefferson, IA

108 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

Cherokee, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Carroll, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 107.8 miles from Orange City, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before 220th Street if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.4 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

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 215.6

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.4 mi

Main Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

2.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Story City, Iowa

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 184.8

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 215.6

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 215.6

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

Main Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 215.6

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+15159647141

Visit website

It's My Jam Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 215.6

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15158955526

Visit website

The Mucky Duck Pub

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour Moderately mile 200.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152328888

Visit website

Casey's

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 184.8

Roland, Iowa

Hours: 5 am–10 pm

+15152175571

Visit website

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 184.8

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 154

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 154

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 61.6

Holstein, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 154

Webster City, IA

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 184.8

Story City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 184.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

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 0.7 and 214 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.7 mi into trip | ~2m in | IA 10 / 8th Street Southeast

Turn left onto IA 10 / 8th Street Southeast

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
43.2 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in | US 20 / Highway 20

Turn left onto US 20 / Highway 20

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
164.6 mi into trip | ~3h 23m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
213.7 mi into trip | ~4h 16m in

Take the exit toward 1st Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 92 Toward 1st Street
5
214 mi into trip | ~4h 17m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.71 one way

$67.41 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 75 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $37.01 $74.02
premium $4.89 $41.49 $82.98
diesel $5.61 $47.60 $95.20

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 75.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 64.7 0 $22.64 $10.35
Efficient EV 53.9 0 $18.87 $8.62
EV Truck/SUV 86.2 1 $30.18 $13.80

Gas CO2

75 kg

EV CO2

25 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

Orange City, IA

Night in Orange City on Saturday

Local time

11:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ankeny, IA

Night in Ankeny on Saturday

Local time

11:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Jefferson, IA

108 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

21 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

4h 21m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a drive that's about 43% highway, offering a balanced experience between faster travel and more local road cruising. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 93.4 miles on 220nd Street, which likely means a more rural or two-lane road feel for a considerable portion of your journey. The profile is described as a 'mixed drive,' suggesting you'll transition between these road types, so keep your driving style adaptable. This isn't a pure interstate grind, nor is it exclusively winding backroads; it's a blend designed to move you efficiently through the heart of Iowa.

43% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93.4 mi on 220th Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near IA 10 / 8th Street Southeast.

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 4h 21m drive. You will face about 14 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (IA 10 / 8th Street Southeast): Lane positioning matters here; at 43.2 miles (US 20 / Highway 20): Lane positioning matters here; at 164.6 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 21m. Total distance: 215.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (43%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 93.4 miles on 220th Street. 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 0.7 miles (IA 10 / 8th Street Southeast): Lane positioning matters here; at 43.2 miles (US 20 / Highway 20): Lane positioning matters here; at 164.6 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 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.

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