How far is Ankeny, IA from Cresco, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Cresco, IA is about 179.3 miles (288.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 137.1 miles (220.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 14m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 37m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Cresco.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Cresco.
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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
30.4 mi · 35 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 218, CR T44: Floyd
2362 ft · 1 min
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9
Turn left onto Monroe Street
11.4 mi · 16 min · Monroe Street
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10
Turn right onto State Highway 9
12.3 mi · 17 min · State Highway 9
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11
Continue on Highway 9
1.2 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
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12
Continue on West Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · West Main Street
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13
Continue on State Highway 9
20.6 mi · 28 min · State Highway 9
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14
Continue on 2nd Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
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15
Turn left onto 3rd Street Southwest
774 ft · 15 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
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16
Continue on 3rd Street West
3257 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street West
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17
Turn right onto 8th Avenue West
1678 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue West
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Avenue East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Cresco.
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 longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Ankeny and Sunny near Cresco.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Cresco?
The road trip is about 179.3 miles (288.6 km) and usually takes 03h 37m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Thornton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.6 miles from Ankeny and 89.7 miles from Cresco.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 137.1 miles (220.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.2 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.87 one way or $47.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ankeny and Sunny near Cresco.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Cresco. Straight-line distance: 137.06 mi (220.58 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 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cresco (-92.11405, 43.38136)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 289 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.87 | $47.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.92 | $53.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.46 | $58.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.57 | $67.15 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.