How far is Ankeny, IA from Clear Lake, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Clear Lake, IA is about 103.9 miles (167.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 98 miles (157.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 51m 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 55m.
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Clear Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Clear Lake.
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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
100.1 mi · 1 hr 48 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business, CR B35: Clear Lake, Mason City
1386 ft · 40 sec
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7
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.2 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
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8
Turn right onto South 8th Street
1671 ft · 34 sec · South 8th Street
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9
Turn left onto 1st Avenue North
57 m · 14 sec · 1st Avenue North
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10
Turn left onto North 6th Street
24 m · 4 sec · North 6th Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Clear Lake.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West 1st Street
Merge slight left
100 mi · 01h 48m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ankeny and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Clear Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Clear Lake?
The road trip is about 103.9 miles (167.2 km) and usually takes 01h 55m 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 52 miles from Ankeny and 51.9 miles from Clear Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 98 miles (157.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.9 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 2:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.84 one way or $27.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ankeny and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Clear Lake.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Clear Lake. Straight-line distance: 97.99 mi (157.7 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 Clear Lake
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 7,517 |
| Coordinates | 43.1380200, -93.3793700 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clear Lake (-93.37937, 43.13802)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 167 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.84 | $27.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.61 | $31.22 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.08 | $34.16 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.47 | $38.93 |
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.