How far is Ankeny, IA from Palo, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Palo, IA is about 111.5 miles (179.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 95.9 miles (154.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 40m 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 20m.
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.
Human settlement in Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Palo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Palo.
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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
1.8 mi · 4 min · West 1st Street
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4
Continue on Northeast 94th Avenue
8.5 mi · 13 min · Northeast 94th Avenue
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5
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Road
28 mi · 32 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
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6
Take the exit right
2792 ft · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
37 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway
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8
Continue on 73rd Street
26.8 mi · 31 min · 73rd Street
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
1.6 km · 2 min
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10
Continue straight
3 mi · 3 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Covington, Cedar Rapids
1567 ft · 47 sec
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12
Turn left onto Covington Road
4 mi · 7 min · Covington Road
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13
Turn right onto 1st Street
2695 ft · 2 min · 1st Street
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14
Turn right onto Vinton Street
26 m · 4 sec · Vinton Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vinton Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Palo.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Lincoln Highway
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
37 mi · 00h 43m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ankeny and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Palo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Palo?
The road trip is about 111.5 miles (179.4 km) and usually takes 02h 20m 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?
Montour is a useful midpoint, sitting about 55.6 miles from Ankeny and 55.9 miles from Palo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 95.9 miles (154.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.6 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 1:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.82 one way or $29.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ankeny and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Palo.
Stop Ideas Near Montour
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 Montour.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Palo. Straight-line distance: 95.96 mi (154.43 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 Palo
City in Linn County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,075 |
| Coordinates | 42.0661100, -91.7954600 |
| Altitude | 226 |
| Country | United States |
End: Palo (-91.79546, 42.06611)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 179 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.82 | $29.64 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.71 | $33.43 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.29 | $36.58 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.84 | $41.69 |
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.