How far is Ankeny, IA from Central City, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Central City, IA is about 132.4 miles (213 km), with a travel time of about 02h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 111.8 miles (180 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 26m 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 43m.
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 Tokyo, Japan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Central City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Central City.
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1
Start on Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 4 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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2
Turn right onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 37 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto West 1st Street
1.8 mi · 4 min · West 1st Street
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4
Continue on Northeast 94th Avenue
8.5 mi · 13 min · Northeast 94th Avenue
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5
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Road
28 mi · 32 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
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6
Take the exit right
2792 ft · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
37 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway
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8
Continue on 73rd Street
26.8 mi · 31 min · 73rd Street
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
1.6 km · 2 min
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10
Continue straight
9.4 mi · 11 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on Collins Road Northeast
5.9 mi · 8 min · Collins Road Northeast
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12
Turn left
13 mi · 16 min
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13
Turn right onto West Maple Street
911 ft · 31 sec · West Maple Street
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14
Continue on West Main Street
1254 ft · 51 sec · West Main Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Central City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Lincoln Highway
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
37 mi · 00h 43m
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.
Sunny leaving Ankeny and Sunny near Central City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Central City?
The road trip is about 132.4 miles (213 km) and usually takes 02h 43m 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?
Tama is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66.1 miles from Ankeny and 66.3 miles from Central City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 111.8 miles (180 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.6 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 1:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.61 one way or $35.22 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ankeny and Sunny near Central City.
Stop Ideas Near Tama
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 Tama.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Central City. Straight-line distance: 111.85 mi (180 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 Central City
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,296 |
| Coordinates | 42.2038800, -91.5240600 |
| Altitude | 254 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central City (-91.52406, 42.20388)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 213 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.61 | $35.22 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.86 | $39.72 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.73 | $43.47 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.77 | $49.54 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.