This 288.1-mile journey from Orange City, IA to Indiana, IA is a manageable one-day drive, taking approximately 5 hours and 28 minutes. Primarily utilizing I 80 and IA 5, with a portion on US 75, the route is largely highway-focused, making it efficient for covering ground across the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $45, this trip is budget-friendly. The drive offers a straightforward path within Iowa, suitable for those looking to get from point A to point B without extensive detours. Consider starting early to make the most of daylight hours.
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
144.1 miles from Orange City, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 80
95.2 mi
1h 42m
IA 5
36 mi
44m
US 75
30.1 mi
36m
I 880
16 mi
17m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
12.9 mi
14m
IA 60
10.4 mi
12m
I 35
3.8 mi
4m
County Road K64
3.7 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 95.2 mi, about 1h 42m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,582 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,907
Quietest
2 AM
~131 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 47 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Orange City, IA and Indiana, IA.
1
Start on 2nd Street Northwest
430 ft·25 sec·2nd Street Northwest
2
Turn right onto Albany Avenue
1.2 mi·3 min·Albany Avenue
3
Continue on Albany Place
0.5 mi·54 sec·Albany Place
4
Continue on County Road K64
3.7 mi·5 min·County Road K64
5
Turn right onto IA 60
10 mi·12 min·IA 60
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on US 75
30 mi·36 min·US 75
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 29: Sioux City, Council BluffsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
73 mi·1 hr 19 min
Toward I 29 South: Council Bluffs, Sioux Gateway Airport
9
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 71Toward I 880 East: Des Moines
10
Continue on I 880
16 mi·17 min·I 880
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·43 sec
Exit 16AToward I 80 East: Des MoinesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 80
95 mi·1 hr 41 min·I 80
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
0.3 mi·18 sec·I 80
Exit 123BToward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto Ramp 72 H
0.4 mi·51 sec·Ramp 72 H
Exit 123BToward I 35 South: Kansas City
15
Merge onto I 35
3.8 mi·4 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 68Toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport, West Des Moines, NorwalkUse the slight right lane.
17
Continue on IA 5
13 mi·14 min·Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit onto IA 5
19 mi·22 min·IA 5
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
19
Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92
11 mi·11 min·IA 5; IA 92
20
Take the exit onto IA 5
0.5 mi·1 min·IA 5
21
Turn right onto IA 5
5.8 mi·8 min·IA 5
22
Turn sharp right onto CR G76
0.2 mi·24 sec·County Highway G76
23
Continue on CR G76
1.9 mi·3 min·County Highway G76
24
Arrive at destination
CR G76
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 28-minute duration, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Aim for an early morning departure to allow for a comfortable pace and potential brief stops. The longest stretch without a break is over 95 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway mark. With a fuel cost estimated at $45, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is a good practice. The single stop indicated suggests that most of your time will be spent on the road, so ensure you're prepared for the duration.
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 144.1 miles from Orange City, IA, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.2 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 63 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.1 miles or 2h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 24m
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 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 288.1 miles and 5h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 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 I 80 for about 95.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 46 and 236.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
46 mi into trip|~57m in
Take the exit toward I 29: Sioux City, Council Bluffs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 29: Sioux City, Council Bluffs
6
46.3 mi into trip|~58m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 29 South: Council Bluffs, Sioux Gateway Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 29 South: Council Bluffs, Sioux Gatewa...
8
136.3 mi into trip|~2h 36m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 80 East: Des Moines
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 16A
Toward I 80 East: Des Moines
9
231.9 mi into trip|~4h 19m in|I 80
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 123B
Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, K...
8
236.4 mi into trip|~4h 24m in
Take the exit toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport, West Des Moines, Norwalk
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 68
Toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.55 one way
$85.09 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$46.97
$93.94
premium
$4.72
$53.49
$106.98
diesel
$4.80
$54.40
$108.80
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.4
1
$30.25
$13.83
Efficient EV
72
0
$25.21
$11.52
EV Truck/SUV
115.2
1
$40.33
$18.44
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Orange City, IA
Late night
in Orange City on Sunday
Local time
1:58 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Mostly Clear
SW 5 to 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Indiana, IA
Late night
in Indiana on Sunday
Local time
1:58 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Clear
SW 6 to 9 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
64°F
Avoca, IA
144 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
3 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
5h 28m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll find this drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 66% of the route on faster roads. Expect extended periods on I 80, including a significant uninterrupted stretch of 95.2 miles. While the majority is interstate, there are shifts to state highways like IA 5 and US 75, which may offer a slightly different driving experience. The overall character is one of steady progress, designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic exploration.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 95.2 mi on I 80.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and IA 5. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 46 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 288.1 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 46 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,440 ft819 ft
Total Climb
595 ft
Total Descent
1,113 ft
Highest Point
1,440 ft
Elevation Range
621 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Orange City, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Sioux Gateway Airport, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Des Moines and Norwalk.
Indiana is a state in the heart of the Midwest region of the United States. Indiana is more than a fly-over state with one large metropolitan area, rural farmland, and cozy college towns.
Top landmarks
•Wyandotte Caves — park and its caverns in southern Indiana
•Eskenazi Museum of Art — museum at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana
•Miller House and Garden — historic home in Columbus, Indiana
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 28m. Total distance: 288.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 95.2 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 24 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 24 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 46 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Indiana, IA before the return drive.
