How far is Cresco, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Cresco, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 179.8 miles (289.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 137.1 miles (220.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 56m 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 58m.
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 Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cresco and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cresco and Ankeny.
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1
Start on 8th Avenue East
1678 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue East
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2
Turn left onto 3rd Street West
3257 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street West
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3
Continue on 3rd Street Southwest
774 ft · 20 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
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4
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
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5
Continue on State Highway 9
20.6 mi · 28 min · State Highway 9
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6
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · East Main Street
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7
Continue on Highway 9
1.2 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
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8
Continue on State Highway 9
12.3 mi · 17 min · State Highway 9
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9
Turn left
11.2 mi · 16 min
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10
Take the ramp left toward US 18 east, IA 27 north: Mason City
1560 ft · 43 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
30.8 mi · 36 min · Avenue of the Saints
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12
Take the exit slight left toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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13
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
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14
Merge slight left
97.4 mi · 1 hr 45 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 Cresco and Ankeny.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
97.4 mi · 01h 45m
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 Cresco and Mostly Sunny near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cresco to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 179.8 miles (289.3 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Thornton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.9 miles from Cresco and 89.9 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 137.1 miles (220.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.7 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 12:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.91 one way or $47.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cresco and Mostly Sunny near Ankeny.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cresco and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 137.06 mi (220.58 km).
#1 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| 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: 289 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.91 | $47.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.96 | $53.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.51 | $59.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.63 | $67.25 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.