How far is Ankeny, IA from Manchester, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Manchester, IA is about 163.2 miles (262.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 121.9 miles (196.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 20m 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 10m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Grundy County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Manchester.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Manchester.
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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
71.7 mi · 1 hr 23 min
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8
Keep slight left
36.6 mi · 42 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right
1887 ft · 53 sec
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10
Turn left onto State Highway 13
1.4 mi · 2 min · State Highway 13
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11
Turn right onto West Main Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · West Main Street
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12
Turn left onto North Tama Street
18 m · 3 sec · North Tama Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Tama Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Manchester.
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
71.7 mi · 01h 23m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Ankeny and Partly Cloudy near Manchester.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Manchester?
The road trip is about 163.2 miles (262.7 km) and usually takes 03h 10m 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?
Wellsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.5 miles from Ankeny and 81.7 miles from Manchester.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 121.9 miles (196.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 41.3 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 10:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.72 one way or $43.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Ankeny and Partly Cloudy near Manchester.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Manchester. Straight-line distance: 121.93 mi (196.22 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 Manchester
City in Delaware County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,004 |
| Coordinates | 42.4841500, -91.4554300 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
End: Manchester (-91.45543, 42.48415)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 263 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.72 | $43.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.50 | $48.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.81 | $53.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.55 | $61.10 |
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 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.