How far is Des Moines, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 13.9 miles (22.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 8.9 miles (14.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 38m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 19m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
City in Polk County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Ankeny.
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1
Start on East University Avenue
2887 ft · 1 min · East University Avenue
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2
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
2.5 mi · 5 min · 2nd Avenue
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3
Continue on Northwest 2nd Street
3.6 mi · 6 min · Northwest 2nd Street
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4
Continue on Southwest State Street
2.5 mi · 4 min · Southwest State Street
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5
Turn right onto Southwest Ordnance Road
1.4 km · 2 min · Southwest Ordnance Road
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6
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
1897 ft · 1 min · Southwest Walnut Street
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7
Turn right onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Ankeny.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Northwest 2nd Street
Continue on Northwest 2nd Street
3.56 mi · 00h 06m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 13.9 miles (22.3 km) and usually takes 00h 19m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Saylorville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 5.2 miles from Des Moines and 8.7 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 8.9 miles (14.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.85 one way or $3.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ankeny.
Stop Ideas Near Saylorville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Saylorville.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 8.93 mi (14.37 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| 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: 22 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $1.85 | $3.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $2.08 | $4.17 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $2.28 | $4.56 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $2.60 | $5.20 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.