How far is Cherokee, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Cherokee, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 172.2 miles (277.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 122 miles (196.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 30m 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 45m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cherokee and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cherokee and Ankeny.
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1
Start on the route
32 m · 13 sec
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2
Turn left onto South 2nd Street
48 m · 9 sec · South 2nd Street
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3
Turn right onto East Main Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 977
1852 ft · 37 sec · State Highway 977
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5
Continue on 530th Street
3.7 mi · 5 min · 530th Street
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6
Turn right onto V Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
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7
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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8
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
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9
Continue on Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
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10
Turn right onto 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
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11
Continue on Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
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12
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
92.4 mi · 1 hr 47 min · 220th Street
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left
49.1 mi · 53 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1422 ft · 35 sec
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16
Keep slight right
92 m · 9 sec
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17
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
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18
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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19
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cherokee and Ankeny.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
220th Street
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
92.4 mi · 01h 47m
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.
Sunny leaving Cherokee and Sunny near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cherokee to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 172.2 miles (277.1 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Moorland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 85.5 miles from Cherokee and 86.7 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 122 miles (196.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 50.2 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 1:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.93 one way or $45.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cherokee and Sunny near Ankeny.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cherokee and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 121.94 mi (196.25 km).
#1 Cherokee
Native American people indigenous to the Southeastern United States
| Population | 4,841 |
| Coordinates | 42.7494300, -95.5516700 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ankeny
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 70,068 |
| Coordinates | 41.7297100, -93.6057700 |
| Altitude | 302 |
| Country | United States |
End: Southwest 3rd Street (-93.60577, 41.72962)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 277 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.93 | $45.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.86 | $51.72 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.30 | $56.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.25 | $64.50 |
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.