How far is Denver, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Denver, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 132.1 miles (212.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 91.9 miles (147.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 12m 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 06m.
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Denver and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Denver and Ankeny.
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1
Start on West Fayette Street
12 m · 3 sec · West Fayette Street
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2
Turn right onto State Street
1.3 km · 1 min · State Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Larrabee Avenue
1.3 mi · 1 min · Larrabee Avenue
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4
Continue on Logan Avenue
6.9 mi · 9 min · Logan Avenue
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5
Turn right onto West Airline Highway
3 mi · 5 min · West Airline Highway
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6
Turn left onto Airport Boulevard
786 ft · 21 sec · Airport Boulevard
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7
Take the ramp right toward US 218 north
2788 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
3116 ft · 41 sec · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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9
Take the exit slight right
1309 ft · 32 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on IA 27 South, IA 58 South: Hudson, UNI
1 mi · 2 min
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11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
1.2 mi · 2 min · Avenue of the Saints
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12
Take the exit slight right toward University Avenue
1165 ft · 28 sec
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13
Keep slight right
102 m · 8 sec
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14
Turn straight onto University Avenue
1.8 mi · 3 min · University Avenue
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward University Avenue
38 m · 3 sec · University Avenue
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16
Exit the roundabout onto University Avenue
3.5 mi · 5 min · University Avenue
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17
Continue on Grundy Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Grundy Road
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18
Take the ramp right
2235 ft · 54 sec
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19
Merge slight left
54.3 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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20
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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21
Merge slight left
49.6 mi · 54 min
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22
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1422 ft · 35 sec
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23
Keep slight right
92 m · 9 sec
-
24
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
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25
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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26
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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27
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Denver and Ankeny.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Grundy Road
Merge slight left
54.3 mi · 01h 03m
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 Mostly Sunny leaving Denver and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Denver to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 132.1 miles (212.6 km) and usually takes 02h 06m 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 64.2 miles from Denver and 67.9 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 91.9 miles (147.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 40.2 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 2:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.57 one way or $35.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Denver and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ankeny.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Denver and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 91.91 mi (147.91 km).
#1 Denver
City in Iowa, US
| Population | 1,879 |
| Coordinates | 42.6713700, -92.3374000 |
| Altitude | 289 |
| 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: 213 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.57 | $35.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.82 | $39.64 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.69 | $43.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.72 | $49.43 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.