How far is Ankeny, IA from Charles City, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Charles City, IA is about 136.8 miles (220.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 103.9 miles (167.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 13m 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 36m.
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.
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Charles City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Charles 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
1.5 mi · 4 min · West 1st Street
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4
Take the ramp slight left
1707 ft · 42 sec
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5
Merge slight left
97.1 mi · 1 hr 44 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
1 mi · 2 min
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7
Merge slight left
32.9 mi · 38 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 Business, CR B35: Charles City
1513 ft · 43 sec
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9
Turn left onto 185th Street
1559 ft · 24 sec · 185th Street
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10
Turn straight onto Gilbert Street
2.5 mi · 5 min · Gilbert Street
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11
Turn left onto Main Street
1198 ft · 39 sec · Main Street
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12
Turn right onto Clark Street
1319 ft · 34 sec · Clark Street
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13
Turn left onto Brantingham Street
789 ft · 24 sec · Brantingham Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Charles City.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
West 1st Street
Merge slight left
97.1 mi · 01h 45m
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.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ankeny and Showers And Thunderstorms near Charles City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Charles City?
The road trip is about 136.8 miles (220.1 km) and usually takes 02h 36m 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?
Dows is a useful midpoint, sitting about 68.4 miles from Ankeny and 68.4 miles from Charles City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 103.9 miles (167.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.9 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 1:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.21 one way or $36.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ankeny and Showers And Thunderstorms near Charles City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Charles City. Straight-line distance: 103.91 mi (167.22 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 Charles City
City in Iowa
| Population | 7,307 |
| Coordinates | 43.0663600, -92.6724100 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| Country | United States |
End: Charles City (-92.67241, 43.06636)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 220 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.21 | $36.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.54 | $41.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.48 | $44.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.62 | $51.24 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.