How far is Ankeny, IA from State Center, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to State Center, IA is about 42.4 miles (68.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 30.2 miles (48.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 44m 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 00h 52m.
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.
The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and State Center.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and State Center.
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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
18.1 mi · 20 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Business I 35, US 30: Ames, Iowa State University, Nevada
1652 ft · 40 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on US 30 East: Nevada
1.1 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
20.5 mi · 24 min
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9
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue Southwest
2228 ft · 48 sec · 3rd Avenue Southwest
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10
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
860 ft · 23 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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11
Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
1114 ft · 24 sec · 1st Avenue South
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12
Turn right onto East Main Street
4 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and State Center.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
US 30 East
Merge slight left
20.5 mi · 00h 24m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny leaving Ankeny and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near State Center.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to State Center?
The road trip is about 42.4 miles (68.3 km) and usually takes 00h 52m 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?
Ames is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.2 miles from Ankeny and 21.3 miles from State Center.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 30.2 miles (48.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.2 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.66 one way or $11.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny around Ankeny and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near State Center.
Stop Ideas Near Ames
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 Ames.
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and State Center. Straight-line distance: 30.18 mi (48.57 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 State Center
City in Marshall County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,432 |
| Coordinates | 42.0166500, -93.1635400 |
| Altitude | 326 |
| Country | United States |
End: State Center (-93.16354, 42.01665)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.66 | $11.31 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.38 | $12.76 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.98 | $13.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.96 | $15.91 |
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 · May 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.