How far is Ankeny, IA from Bedford, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Bedford, IA is about 127.9 miles (205.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 93.6 miles (150.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 28m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 44m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Bedford.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Bedford.
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1
Start on Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 7 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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2
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
1897 ft · 1 min · Southwest Walnut Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto Southwest Ordnance Road
1.4 km · 2 min · Southwest Ordnance Road
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4
Turn left onto Southwest State Street
2.5 mi · 4 min · Southwest State Street
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5
Continue on Northwest 2nd Street
2.6 mi · 4 min · Northwest 2nd Street
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6
Take the ramp slight right
2024 ft · 49 sec
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7
Merge slight left
11.3 mi · 13 min
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8
Keep slight left
60 mi · 1 hr 5 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 2: Leon, Mount Ayr
2038 ft · 51 sec
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10
Turn right onto State Highway 2
20.4 mi · 29 min · State Highway 2
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11
Continue on South Street
13 mi · 19 min · South Street
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12
Continue on State Highway 2
2.5 mi · 4 min · State Highway 2
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13
Continue on State Highway 2
12.6 mi · 19 min · State Highway 2
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14
Turn left onto County Road N44
2136 ft · 43 sec · County Road N44
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15
Continue on Pearl Street
3007 ft · 1 min · Pearl Street
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16
Turn left onto Madison Street
696 ft · 12 sec · Madison Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Madison Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Bedford.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Northwest 2nd Street
Keep slight left
60 mi · 01h 05m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Ankeny and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Bedford.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Bedford?
The road trip is about 127.9 miles (205.8 km) and usually takes 02h 44m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Weldon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63.9 miles from Ankeny and 64 miles from Bedford.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 93.6 miles (150.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.01 one way or $34.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ankeny and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Bedford.
Stop Ideas Near Weldon
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Weldon.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Bedford. Straight-line distance: 93.57 mi (150.59 km).
#1 Ankeny
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 70,068 |
| Coordinates | 41.7297100, -93.6057700 |
| Altitude | 302 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Bedford
Town in Taylor County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,380 |
| Coordinates | 40.6669300, -94.7213600 |
| Altitude | 344 |
| Country | United States |
End: Bedford (-94.72136, 40.66693)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 206 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.01 | $34.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.18 | $38.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.99 | $41.98 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.92 | $47.84 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.