How far is Ankeny, IA from Elk Run Heights, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Elk Run Heights, IA is about 121.7 miles (195.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 85.9 miles (138.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 42m 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 21m.
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.
Township in Hardin County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Elk Run Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Elk Run Heights.
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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
49.3 mi · 53 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2998 ft · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left
68.5 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Elk Run Heights, Evansdale Drive
1487 ft · 43 sec
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9
Turn left onto Evansdale Drive
2450 ft · 54 sec · Evansdale Drive
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10
Turn left onto Gilbertville Road
3002 ft · 1 min · Gilbertville Road
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Gilbertville Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Elk Run Heights.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
68.5 mi · 01h 19m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Ankeny and Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near Elk Run Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Elk Run Heights?
The road trip is about 121.7 miles (195.9 km) and usually takes 02h 21m 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?
Buckeye is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60.8 miles from Ankeny and 60.9 miles from Elk Run Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 85.9 miles (138.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.8 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 1:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.22 one way or $32.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Ankeny and Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near Elk Run Heights.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Elk Run Heights. Straight-line distance: 85.9 mi (138.24 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 Elk Run Heights
City in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,135 |
| Coordinates | 42.4669300, -92.2565700 |
| Altitude | 259 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elk Run Heights (-92.25657, 42.46693)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 196 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.22 | $32.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.29 | $36.58 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.01 | $40.02 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.81 | $45.61 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.