How far is Ankeny, IA from Sanborn, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Sanborn, IA is about 206.9 miles (333 km), with a travel time of about 04h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 144.8 miles (233.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 29m 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 04h 14m.
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.
City in and county seat of Calhoun County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Sanborn.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Sanborn.
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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
92.8 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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8
Turn right onto Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
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9
Continue on 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
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10
Turn left onto Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
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11
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
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12
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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13
Continue on V Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
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14
Turn left onto State Highway 3
1153 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 3
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15
Turn straight onto 530th Street
3.1 mi · 4 min · 530th Street
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16
Turn right onto State Highway 3
2.7 mi · 4 min · State Highway 3
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17
Turn right
13.6 mi · 19 min
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18
Turn left onto 470th Street
4.1 mi · 6 min · 470th Street
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19
Continue on Silver Avenue
7.2 mi · 10 min · Silver Avenue
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20
Continue on South Rerick Avenue
1.6 mi · 3 min · South Rerick Avenue
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21
Continue on Silver Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Silver Avenue
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22
Turn left onto 320th Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 320th Street
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23
Continue on US-18
928 ft · 28 sec · US-18
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24
Turn left onto Franklin Street
1621 ft · 1 min · Franklin Street
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25
Turn right onto East 2nd Street
101 m · 14 sec · East 2nd Street
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26
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Sanborn.
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
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Ankeny and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny near Sanborn.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Sanborn?
The road trip is about 206.9 miles (333 km) and usually takes 04h 14m 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?
Rockwell City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 103.4 miles from Ankeny and 103.6 miles from Sanborn.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 144.8 miles (233.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 62.1 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 8:30 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.53 one way or $55.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 64.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Ankeny and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny near Sanborn.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Sanborn. Straight-line distance: 144.84 mi (233.1 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 Sanborn
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,390 |
| Coordinates | 43.1816400, -95.6555700 |
| Altitude | 473 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sanborn (-95.65557, 43.18164)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 333 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.53 | $55.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.05 | $62.09 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.97 | $67.95 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.72 | $77.44 |
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 10, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.