How far is Ankeny, IA from Mediapolis, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Mediapolis, IA is about 176.3 miles (283.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 136.1 miles (219 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 54m 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 27m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Mediapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Mediapolis.
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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
1.4 mi · 3 min · West 1st Street
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward I-35 south: Des Moines
1978 ft · 31 sec
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5
Merge slight left
4.7 mi · 5 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
955 ft · 13 sec
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7
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 East: Davenport
1.3 km · 2 min
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8
Merge slight right
100.7 mi · 1 hr 49 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
2413 ft · 59 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 South, IA 27 South: Mount Pleasant, Keokuk
2271 ft · 55 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
29.3 mi · 34 min · Avenue of the Saints
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12
Take the exit slight right
1847 ft · 53 sec
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13
Turn right onto State Highway 92
8.8 mi · 13 min · State Highway 92
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14
Continue on Oak Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Oak Street
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15
Continue on State Highway 92
8.1 mi · 12 min · State Highway 92
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16
Take the ramp right toward US 61 south: Burlington
1456 ft · 36 sec
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17
Merge slight left
18.4 mi · 21 min
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18
Take the exit slight right toward County Road H38: Mediapolis
2016 ft · 1 min
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19
Turn left onto Mediapolis Road
1649 ft · 33 sec · Mediapolis Road
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20
Turn straight onto Main Street
1946 ft · 44 sec · Main Street
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21
Turn left onto North Orchard Street
22 m · 3 sec · North Orchard Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Orchard Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Mediapolis.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 East
Merge slight right
101 mi · 01h 49m
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 Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Mediapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Mediapolis?
The road trip is about 176.3 miles (283.7 km) and usually takes 03h 27m 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?
Williamsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88 miles from Ankeny and 88.3 miles from Mediapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 136.1 miles (219 km), while the road route adds roughly 40.2 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 10:06 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.46 one way or $46.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ankeny and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Mediapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Williamsburg
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Williamsburg.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Mediapolis. Straight-line distance: 136.07 mi (218.98 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 Mediapolis
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,514 |
| Coordinates | 41.0080900, -91.1640400 |
| Altitude | 235 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mediapolis (-91.16404, 41.00809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 284 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.46 | $46.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.45 | $52.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.95 | $57.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.99 | $65.98 |
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.