How far is Ankeny, IA from Cedar Falls, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is about 115.7 miles (186.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 81.1 miles (130.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 39m 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 01h 49m.
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.
City in Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Cedar Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Cedar Falls.
-
1
Start on Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 4 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
-
2
Turn right onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 37 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
-
3
At the end of the road, turn right onto West 1st Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · West 1st Street
-
4
Take the ramp slight left
1707 ft · 42 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
49.3 mi · 53 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2998 ft · 1 min
-
7
Merge slight left
53.9 mi · 1 hr 2 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
2133 ft · 1 min
-
9
Turn left onto Grundy Road
1.6 km · 1 min · Grundy Road
-
10
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi · 5 min · University Avenue
-
11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward University Avenue
27 m · 2 sec · University Avenue
-
12
Exit the roundabout onto University Avenue
1.7 mi · 4 min · University Avenue
-
13
Turn left onto Main Street
1027 ft · 21 sec · Main Street
-
14
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
24 m · 2 sec · Main Street
-
15
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Main Street
-
16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
23 m · 2 sec · Main Street
-
17
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
6 m · 1 sec · Main Street
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Cedar Falls.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
53.9 mi · 01h 02m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Ankeny and Mostly Sunny near Cedar Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Cedar Falls?
The road trip is about 115.7 miles (186.2 km) and usually takes 01h 49m 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?
Williams is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56.7 miles from Ankeny and 59 miles from Cedar Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 81.1 miles (130.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.6 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 2:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.39 one way or $30.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ankeny and Mostly Sunny near Cedar Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Cedar Falls. Straight-line distance: 81.09 mi (130.5 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 Cedar Falls
The largest city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
| Population | 40,231 |
| Coordinates | 42.5277600, -92.4454700 |
| Altitude | 268 |
| Country | United States |
End: Main Street (-92.44555, 42.52776)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 186 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.39 | $30.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.35 | $34.70 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.99 | $37.98 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.64 | $43.28 |
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 · May 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.