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Trip from Traer, 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

1h 48m

Distance

82 mi

132 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 40m ★
6 AM
1h 48m
8 AM
2h 4m
10 AM
1h 54m
12 PM
1h 52m
3 PM
1h 55m
5 PM
2h 4m
8 PM
1h 44m

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 Traer, IA, IA

Traer, IA

Tara Winstead

city in Polk County, Iowa, United States

Ankeny, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traer, IA to Ankeny, IA is 82 miles and takes about 1 hour 48 minutes via Marshalltown Boulevard, Lincoln Highway, and J Avenue, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This short Midwest trip keeps you within Iowa for its entirety. Expect a highly local driving experience, characterized by frequent turns rather than long stretches of highway. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion, allowing ample time for your destination or any spontaneous detours along the way.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

41 miles from Traer, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Marshalltown Boulevard 28.2 mi 32m
Lincoln Highway 22.3 mi 25m
J Avenue 11.8 mi 17m
Northeast 94th Avenue 8.5 mi 13m
South Main Street 7.2 mi 10m
East 1st Street 1.8 mi 4m
North County Road 1.4 mi 2m
Southwest Walnut Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Marshalltown Boulevard — 28.2 mi, about 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 63

7.2 mi · 10 min · South Main Street
2

Turn left onto US 63

12 mi · 17 min · J Avenue
3

Continue on US 63

1.4 mi · 2 min · North County Road
4

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 50 sec
5

Merge onto US 30

22 mi · 25 min · Lincoln Highway
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
7

Turn left onto IA 330

28 mi · 32 min · Marshalltown Boulevard
8

Turn right onto Northeast 94th Avenue

8.5 mi · 13 min · Northeast 94th Avenue
9

Continue on East 1st Street

1.8 mi · 4 min · East 1st Street
10

Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
11

Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

48 ft · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
12

Arrive at destination

Southwest 3rd Street

Trip Plan

Since this 82-mile journey takes under two hours, you have significant flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning allows you to arrive in Ankeny with plenty of daylight remaining. There are no designated stops in the data, so plan to fuel up before you leave Traer, as the $12 fuel cost suggests a straightforward drive without extensive detours. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means staying alert for navigation changes is key; keep your GPS handy to smoothly transition between Marshalltown Boulevard, Lincoln Highway, and J Avenue.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 41 miles from Traer, IA, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.2 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 18 miles or 26m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 41 miles or 54m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 28m

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 Traer, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Traer, IA

This is one driving day of about 82 miles and 1h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Traer, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Marshalltown Boulevard for about 28.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city and the county seat of Marshall County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Marshalltown, IA

41 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

Tama, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Marshalltown, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 41 miles from Traer, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 82

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.4 mi

Sunrise Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Le Grand, Iowa

1.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Holy grounds coffee llc

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 82

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 82

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

Sunrise Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 29.3

Le Grand, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+16414792280

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 23.4

Tama, Iowa

+16414842108

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 82

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+15159647141

Visit website

O J's Diner

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16417544707

Lucky's Grill & Taproom

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.4

Tama, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

Visit website

La Carreta Mexican Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 35.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16417529427

Visit website

Holy grounds coffee llc

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

Most Wanted Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+16417583380

Grounded

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 35.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+16416548451

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 35.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 35.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

The Rhodes Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 52.7

Rhodes, Iowa

Hours: 2 pm–2 am

+16414932012

Visit website

Sub City

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 35.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–7 pm

+16417521375

The Pump

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.4

Tama, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–1:45 pm

+16414817332

The Spot

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+16417526014

Visit website

Taylor's

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 35.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

Visit website

Garwin Bull LLC

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 11.7

Garwin, Iowa

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+16414992213

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 7.2 and 82 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
7.2 mi into trip | ~10m in | US 63 / J Avenue

Turn left onto US 63 / J Avenue

Navigation decision point

4
20.3 mi into trip | ~30m in

Take the ramp

Navigation decision point

5
43.1 mi into trip | ~57m in

Take the exit toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
4
81.8 mi into trip | ~1h 47m in | Southwest Walnut Street

Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street

Navigation decision point

5
82 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in | Southwest 3rd Street

Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.82 one way

$25.64 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 29 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $14.08 $28.15
premium $4.89 $15.78 $31.56
diesel $5.61 $18.10 $36.21

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 28.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 24.6 0 $8.61 $3.94
Efficient EV 20.5 0 $7.18 $3.28
EV Truck/SUV 32.8 0 $11.48 $5.25

Gas CO2

29 kg

EV CO2

10 kg (66% 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

Traer, IA

Late night in Traer on Sunday

Local time

12:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ankeny, IA

Late night in Ankeny on Sunday

Local time

12:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

70°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 cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 48m 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?

This drive is a turn-heavy local experience, with a 0% highway share, meaning you'll be navigating county roads and local thoroughfares for the entire 82 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 28.2 miles on Marshalltown Boulevard. Expect a dynamic journey where the road requires your constant attention, shifting from one local road to another, rather than a steady cruise on a major highway. You'll be more connected to the Iowa landscape at a slower pace.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.2 mi on Marshalltown Boulevard.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 7.2 miles in near US 63 / J Avenue.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Traer, IA to Ankeny, IA is easy. At 1h 48m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 7.2 miles (US 63 / J Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 20.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 43.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Traer, IA to Ankeny, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Des Moines along the way.

Des Moines

43.1 mi in | ~57m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 48m. Total distance: 82 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 28.2 miles on Marshalltown Boulevard. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 7.2 miles (US 63 / J Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 20.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 43.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Ankeny, 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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