How far is Cresco, IA from Urbandale, IA?
Fastest route
The distance from Cresco, Iowa 52136 to Urbandale, Iowa is approximately 192 miles (309 kilometers). To reach Urbandale, follow these directions.
Directions
- 🚗 Head west on 8th Ave E toward N Elm St.
- 🛣️ Continue on US-63 S.
- 🗺️ Take IA-27 S and US-20 W to IA-14 S in Grundy County. Take exit 208 from US-20 W.
- 🚙 Turn right onto W Cedar Wapsi Rd.
- 🚦 Turn left to merge onto IA-27 S/US-218 S toward Waterloo.
- 🌳 Turn right onto Greenhill Rd. Continue straight to stay on Hudson Rd.
- 🛣️ Turn right to merge onto US-20 W toward Fort Dodge. Take exit 208 toward IA-14 S.
- 🚘 Continue on IA-14 S. Take IA-330 S to US-65 S in Jasper County.
- 🚗 Turn right onto 210th St/E Steamboat. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto N Holland/M Ave.
- 🛣️ Turn right onto IA-14 S/IA-175 W/240th St. Turn right to stay on IA-330 S.
- 🚙 Follow US-65 S and I-80 W to your destination in Urbandale. Take exit 126 from I-80 W.
- 🛣️ Use the right lane to take the I-80 W/US-65 S ramp. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 126 toward Douglas Ave/Urbandale.
- 🚗 Turn left onto Douglas Ave.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚘 Plan for a total travel time of approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes.
- 🛣️ Use a navigation app or GPS device to stay on track and find the most efficient routes.
- ⛽ Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey.
- 🚦 Observe traffic rules and regulations while driving.
- 🍴 Pack some snacks and drinks for the trip to stay refreshed.
- 🚗 Take breaks at rest areas or gas stations to stretch your legs and relax.
- 🌙 If traveling at night, ensure your headlights are working properly for better visibility.
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 03h 10m.
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.
Human settlement in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cresco and Urbandale.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cresco and Urbandale.
-
1
Start on 8th Avenue East
1678 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue East
-
2
Turn left onto 3rd Street West
3257 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street West
-
3
Continue on 3rd Street Southwest
774 ft · 20 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
-
4
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
-
5
Continue on State Highway 9
20.6 mi · 28 min · State Highway 9
-
6
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · East Main Street
-
7
Continue on Highway 9
1.2 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
-
8
Continue on State Highway 9
12.3 mi · 17 min · State Highway 9
-
9
Turn left
11.2 mi · 16 min
-
10
Take the ramp left toward US 18 east, IA 27 north: Mason City
1560 ft · 43 sec
-
11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
30.8 mi · 36 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
12
Take the exit slight left toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
-
13
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
-
14
Merge slight left
102.7 mi · 1 hr 51 min
-
15
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
6.4 mi · 7 min
-
16
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28 South: Merle Hay Road, Saylorville Lake
1872 ft · 48 sec
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17
Turn left onto Merle Hay Road
1 km · 1 min · Merle Hay Road
-
18
Turn right onto Meredith Drive
1.2 km · 1 min · Meredith Drive
-
19
Turn left onto 70th Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · 70th Street
-
20
Turn left onto Maryland Drive
4 m · 1 sec · Maryland Drive
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Maryland Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cresco and Urbandale.
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
103 mi · 01h 51m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Cresco and Showers And Thunderstorms near Urbandale.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cresco to Urbandale?
The road trip is about 192.6 miles (309.9 km) and usually takes 03h 10m 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?
Thornton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 96.3 miles from Cresco and 96.3 miles from Urbandale.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 146 miles (235 km), while the road route adds roughly 46.6 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 10:38 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.61 one way or $51.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 60.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Cresco and Showers And Thunderstorms near Urbandale.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cresco and Urbandale. Straight-line distance: 146.02 mi (235 km).
#1 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Urbandale
A city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 44,650 |
| Coordinates | 41.6266600, -93.7121700 |
| Altitude | 288 |
| Country | United States |
End: Maryland Drive (-93.71217, 41.626694)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 310 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.61 | $51.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.88 | $57.76 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.60 | $63.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.01 | $72.03 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.