How far is Ankeny, IA from Rockwell City, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Rockwell City, IA is about 110.4 miles (177.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 70 miles (112.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 18m 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 09m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Rockwell City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Rockwell City.
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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
49.6 mi · 54 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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7
Merge slight left
54.5 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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8
Turn left onto Ogden Avenue
2.5 mi · 3 min · Ogden Avenue
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9
Continue on North 1st Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · North 1st Street
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10
Turn right onto Main Street
914 ft · 45 sec · Main Street
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11
Turn left onto 4th Street
58 m · 8 sec · 4th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Rockwell City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
US 20 West
Merge slight left
54.5 mi · 01h 03m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Ankeny and Mostly Sunny near Rockwell City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Rockwell City?
The road trip is about 110.4 miles (177.6 km) and usually takes 02h 09m 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?
Blairsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 55.1 miles from Ankeny and 55.2 miles from Rockwell City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 70 miles (112.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 40.4 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 2:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.67 one way or $29.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ankeny and Mostly Sunny near Rockwell City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Rockwell City. Straight-line distance: 69.97 mi (112.6 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 Rockwell City
City in and county seat of Calhoun County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,082 |
| Coordinates | 42.3952600, -94.6338700 |
| Altitude | 375 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rockwell City (-94.63387, 42.39526)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 178 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.67 | $29.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.54 | $33.09 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.10 | $36.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.63 | $41.27 |
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 · Jun 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.