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Trip from Sheldon, 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

5h 35m

Distance

273.3 mi

440 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 22m ★
6 AM
5h 35m
8 AM
6h 2m
10 AM
5h 45m
12 PM
5h 42m
3 PM
5h 46m
5 PM
6h 1m
8 PM
5h 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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Downtown Sheldon, IA, IA

Sheldon, IA

Jul L. G.

Downtown Indiana, IA, IA

Indiana, IA

Kelly

Trip Overview

Embark on a 273.9-mile journey from Sheldon, Iowa, to Indiana, Iowa, with an estimated drive time of 4 hours and 29 minutes. This route is best suited for a single day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. With a fuel cost estimated at $42, it's an economical option for exploring the Midwest. The drive primarily utilizes local roads like 2nd Avenue, Log Avenue, and 460th Street, offering a genuine feel for the Iowa landscape. Plan for a more hands-on driving experience on this turn-heavy local drive.

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

136.6 miles from Sheldon, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
220th Street 92.4 mi 1h 46m
I 35 54.7 mi 59m
IA 5 35.4 mi 42m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway 10.7 mi 12m
20th Avenue 9.2 mi 12m
State Highway 3 8.6 mi 11m
IA 60 Business 7.5 mi 9m
Armstrong Avenue 6 mi 8m
Longest stretch: 220th Street — 92.4 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on 9th Street

25 ft · 5 sec · 9th Street
2

Turn left onto IA 60 Business

1.4 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue
3

Take the ramp onto IA 60 Business

7.5 mi · 9 min · IA 60 Business
4

Turn left onto L22

5.6 mi · 7 min · Log Avenue
Use the left lane.
5

Turn left onto IA 10

1.0 mi · 1 min · 460th Street
6

Continue on IA 10

0.5 mi · 1 min · Garfield Street
7

Continue on IA 10

3.5 mi · 4 min · 460th Street
8

Turn right onto IA 143

5.0 mi · 6 min · Nettle Avenue
Use the right lane.
9

Continue on IA 143

5.7 mi · 7 min · D Avenue
10

Continue on IA 143

1.3 mi · 2 min · Ames Avenue
11

Turn left onto IA 3

5.0 mi · 6 min · 490th Street
12

Continue on IA 3

4.2 mi · 5 min · State Highway 3
13

Continue on IA 3

2.5 mi · 3 min · 500th Street
14

Turn straight onto IA 3

4.4 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
15

Turn left onto IA 3

3.4 mi · 4 min · 530th Street
16

Turn right onto IA 7

2.0 mi · 2 min · V Avenue
17

Continue on IA 7

1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
18

Continue on IA 7

2.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 7
19

Continue on IA 7

1.1 mi · 1 min · Highway 7
20

Turn right onto 20th Avenue

9.2 mi · 12 min · 20th Avenue
21

Continue on CR M27

6.0 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
22

At end of road, turn left onto US 20

92 mi · 1 hr 46 min · 220th Street
23

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
24

Merge onto I 35

54 mi · 59 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

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
26

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 2 min
Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport
27

Merge onto I 80

2.6 mi · 2 min · I 80
28

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 141 Toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines Use the slight right lane.
29

Merge onto US 65

11 mi · 12 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
31

Continue on IA 5

19 mi · 21 min · IA 5
32

Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92

11 mi · 11 min · IA 5; IA 92
33

Take the exit onto IA 5

0.5 mi · 1 min · IA 5
34

Turn right onto IA 5

5.8 mi · 8 min · IA 5
35

Turn sharp right onto CR G76

0.2 mi · 24 sec · County Highway G76
36

Continue on CR G76

1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76
37

Arrive at destination

CR G76

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour, 29-minute duration and the local road nature of this 273.9-mile trip, you can comfortably complete it in one day. Aim to depart in the morning to allow ample time for the numerous turns and to reach Indiana, Iowa, with daylight to spare. With only one stop recommended, you have flexibility in pacing; consider a mid-drive break to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the $42 estimated cost reflects the local road driving, which can sometimes be less fuel-efficient than highway travel. A specific tip: familiarize yourself with the sequence of local roads like 2nd Avenue, Log Avenue, and 460th Street before you go, as GPS signals can sometimes be less reliable on these routes.

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 136.6 miles from Sheldon, IA, or about 2h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.4 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 60 miles or 1h 23m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 136.6 miles or 2h 55m 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 34m

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 Sheldon, 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 Sheldon, IA

This is one driving day of about 273.3 miles and 5h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Sheldon, 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 92.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ames, IA

137 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

Alta, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Webster City, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 136.6 miles from Sheldon, 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 92.4 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.

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 195.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15154505004

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 195.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 195.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 195.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 195.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 195.2

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 195.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 195.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 195.2

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 195.2

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 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.9 and 223.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
8.9 mi into trip | ~12m in | L22 / Log Avenue

Turn left onto L22 / Log Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
19.5 mi into trip | ~27m in | IA 143 / Nettle Avenue

Turn right onto IA 143 / Nettle Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
165.8 mi into trip | ~3h 29m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
220.2 mi into trip | ~4h 28m 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
223.8 mi into trip | ~4h 34m 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

$42.73 one way

$85.45 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 96 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $46.91 $93.83
premium $4.89 $52.59 $105.19
diesel $5.61 $60.34 $120.68

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: 95.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 82 1 $28.70 $13.12
Efficient EV 68.3 0 $23.91 $10.93
EV Truck/SUV 109.3 1 $38.26 $17.49

Gas CO2

96 kg

EV CO2

32 kg (67% 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Sheldon, IA

Late night in Sheldon on Sunday

Local time

2:44 AM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indiana, IA

Late night in Indiana on Sunday

Local time

2:44 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°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

24 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 35m 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?

This drive is characterized by its frequent turns, making it a highly interactive experience behind the wheel. With zero highway share, you'll be navigating local roads for the entire 273.9 miles, so expect a pace that’s more deliberate than an interstate cruise. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests you'll be constantly adjusting your course. This is the kind of route where you'll truly engage with the landscape as you weave through the heart of Iowa.

41% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92.4 mi on 220th Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 19 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 8.9 miles in near L22 / Log Avenue.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 273.3 miles you will encounter 19 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 8.9 miles (L22 / Log Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.5 miles (IA 143 / Nettle Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 165.8 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 Sheldon, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Davenport and Des Moines.

Council Bluffs

220.2 mi in | ~4h 28m | via I 35

Davenport

220.2 mi in | ~4h 28m | via I 35

Des Moines

223.8 mi in | ~4h 34m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 35m. Total distance: 273.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 92.4 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.

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 8.9 miles (L22 / Log Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.5 miles (IA 143 / Nettle Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 165.8 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 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.

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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Return Trip

Indiana, IA to Sheldon, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

272.4 mi 5h 33m

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