How far is Ankeny, IA from Marcus, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Marcus, IA is about 187.5 miles (301.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 135.6 miles (218.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 35m 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 47m.
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.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Marcus.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Marcus.
-
1
Start on Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 4 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
-
2
Turn right onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 37 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
-
3
At the end of the road, turn right onto West 1st Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · West 1st Street
-
4
Take the ramp slight left
1707 ft · 42 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
49.6 mi · 54 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
-
7
Merge slight left
92.8 mi · 1 hr 47 min
-
8
Turn right onto Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
-
9
Continue on 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
-
10
Turn left onto Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
-
11
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
-
12
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
-
13
Continue on V Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
-
14
Turn left onto State Highway 3
1153 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 3
-
15
Turn straight onto 530th Street
3.1 mi · 4 min · 530th Street
-
16
Turn right onto State Highway 3
4.5 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
-
17
Continue on 500th Street
2.5 mi · 3 min · 500th Street
-
18
Continue on State Highway 3
4.2 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
-
19
Continue on 490th Street
5 mi · 7 min · 490th Street
-
20
Turn right onto Ames Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Ames Avenue
-
21
Turn left onto East Cedar Street
2229 ft · 2 min · East Cedar Street
-
22
Turn right onto North Main Street
21 m · 3 sec · North Main Street
-
23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Marcus.
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 West
Merge slight left
92.8 mi · 01h 47m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ankeny and Chance Rain Showers near Marcus.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Marcus?
The road trip is about 187.5 miles (301.8 km) and usually takes 03h 47m 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?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 93.6 miles from Ankeny and 93.9 miles from Marcus.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 135.6 miles (218.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:24 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.96 one way or $49.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ankeny and Chance Rain Showers near Marcus.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Marcus. Straight-line distance: 135.66 mi (218.32 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 Marcus
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,055 |
| Coordinates | 42.8258200, -95.8075100 |
| Altitude | 445 |
| Country | United States |
End: Marcus (-95.80751, 42.82582)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 302 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.96 | $49.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.15 | $56.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.81 | $61.62 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.11 | $70.22 |
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.