How far is Ankeny, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 117.6 miles (189.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 83.5 miles (134.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 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 01h 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.
Township in Hardin 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 Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Waterloo.
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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
49.3 mi · 53 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2998 ft · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left
60.6 mi · 1 hr 10 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Sergeant Road
3054 ft · 1 min
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9
Turn slight right
37 m · 6 sec
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10
Turn straight onto Sergeant Road
3.8 mi · 6 min · Sergeant Road
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11
Turn right onto University Avenue
118 m · 9 sec · University Avenue
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12
Turn straight
1708 ft · 45 sec
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13
Turn right
617 ft · 10 sec
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14
Continue on Washington Street
1175 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street
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15
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Waterloo.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
60.6 mi · 01h 10m
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 Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 117.6 miles (189.3 km) and usually takes 01h 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?
Buckeye is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.8 miles from Ankeny and 58.8 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 83.5 miles (134.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.65 one way or $31.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ankeny and Mostly Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 83.48 mi (134.35 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 Waterloo
The most populous city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,292 |
| Coordinates | 42.4927600, -92.3429600 |
| Altitude | 261 |
| Country | United States |
End: West 4th Street (-92.342752, 42.492625)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 189 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.65 | $31.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.65 | $35.30 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.31 | $38.63 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.01 | $44.02 |
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 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.