Origin
Urbandale, IA
Night in Urbandale on Saturday
Local time
9:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Urbandale, IA to Burlington, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 30m
Distance
176.9 mi
285 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 18m
★
6 AM
3h 30m
8 AM
3h 55m
10 AM
3h 39m
12 PM
3h 36m
3 PM
3h 40m
5 PM
3h 54m
8 PM
3h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Urbandale, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Burlington, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Urbandale, IA to Burlington, IA is 176.9 miles and takes about 3h 30m via East University Avenue and US 34, with a fuel budget near $28 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest region, specifically the state of Iowa, offering a straightforward journey between two familiar points. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is best suited for a single-day excursion. You'll find the drive to be a bit of a turn-heavy local experience, so don't expect long, uninterrupted stretches of highway.
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
88.5 miles from Urbandale, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| East University Avenue | 128.7 mi | 2h 28m |
| US 34 | 27 mi | 32m |
| I 80 | 7.8 mi | 9m |
| Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 2.3 mi | 2m |
| Northeast University Avenue | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| 70th Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Meredith Drive | 0.8 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
East University Avenue
— 128.7 mi, about 2h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Urbandale, IA and Burlington, IA.
1
Start on Maryland Drive
13 ft
·
2 sec
·
Maryland Drive
2
Turn right onto 70th Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
70th Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto Meredith Drive
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Meredith Drive
4
Turn left onto IA 28
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Merle Hay Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I-35 north, I-80 east
6
Merge onto I 80; I 35
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
I 80; I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 35; I 80
0.7 mi
·
50 sec
·
I 35; I 80
8
Continue on I 80; I 35
0.6 mi
·
40 sec
·
I 80; I 35
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
I 80
Use the slight left lane.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 141
Toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto US 65
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 79
Toward IA 163: East University Avenue, Pleasant Hill
13
Turn left onto IA 163
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
East University Avenue
14
Continue on IA 163
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Northeast University Avenue
15
Continue on IA 163
125 mi
·
2 hr 24 min
·
East University Avenue
16
Merge onto US 34; US 218; IA 27; IA 163
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
17
Take the exit onto US 34; IA 163
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
US 34; IA 163
Exit 42
Toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
18
Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163
27 mi
·
31 min
·
US 34; IA 163
Exit 42
Toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 262B
Toward Central Ave
20
Turn right onto North Central Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Central Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
South Central Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 1-day trip covering 176.9 miles, consider leaving Urbandale in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. With a duration of 3h 30m, you won't need to split the drive, but factor in time for any brief stops you might want to make. The fuel cost is estimated at $28, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before departing, especially since the longest stretch is over 100 miles. Pay attention to the 'turn-heavy' nature of the route; keeping your navigation active will be key to smoothly handling the changes in direction.
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 88.5 miles from Urbandale, IA, or about 1h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.7 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 39 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88.5 miles or 1h 46m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Burlington, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Urbandale, 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 Urbandale, IA
This is one driving day of about 176.9 miles and 3h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Urbandale, 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 East University Avenue for about 128.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
88 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 88.5 miles from Urbandale, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before East University Avenue if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 128.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 8.1 and 149.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
8.1 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
I 80
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
8
11.3 mi into trip
|
~15m 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
6
15.8 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Take the exit toward IA 163: East University Avenue, Pleasant Hill
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 79
Toward IA 163: East University Avenue, Pleasant...
6
149.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 56m in
|
US 34; IA 163
Take the exit onto US 34; IA 163 toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 42
Toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Bu...
7
149.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 56m in
|
US 34; IA 163
Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163 toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 42
Toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.66 one way
$55.31 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
62 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $30.37 | $60.73 |
| premium | $4.89 | $34.04 | $68.09 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.06 | $78.11 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 53.1 | 0 | $18.57 | $8.49 |
| Efficient EV | 44.2 | 0 | $15.48 | $7.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 70.8 | 0 | $24.77 | $11.32 |
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Destination
Burlington, IA
Night in Burlington on Saturday
Local time
9:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
53°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 30m 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 route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll encounter more frequent changes in direction than on a typical interstate cruise. With only 20% of the drive on highways, expect a more grounded experience navigating local roads. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 128.7 miles on East University Avenue, so while there are turns, there are also opportunities for longer, more consistent driving periods. The road will likely transition from urban and suburban settings to more rural landscapes as you progress towards Burlington.
Only 20% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.7 mi on East University Avenue.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.1 miles in near I 80.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 176.9 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 8.1 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.8 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Urbandale, IA and Burlington, IA, road signs point toward Des Moines, Pleasant Hill and 163 East: Mount Pleasant.
Des Moines
11.3 mi in
|
~15m
Pleasant Hill
15.8 mi in
|
~21m
163 East: Mount Pleasant
149.1 mi in
|
~2h 56m
|
via US 34; IA 163
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 30m. Total distance: 176.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 128.7 miles on East University Avenue. 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 Burlington, 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 8.1 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Burlington, 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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