How far is Eldridge, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Eldridge, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 169.4 miles (272.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156 miles (251 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 10m 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 35m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Eldridge and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eldridge and Ankeny.
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1
Start on North 2nd Street
22 m · 5 sec · North 2nd Street
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2
Turn right onto Donahue Street
95 m · 13 sec · Donahue Street
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3
Turn right onto North 1st Street
1315 ft · 49 sec · North 1st Street
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4
Turn left onto East Leclaire Road
1 km · 2 min · East Leclaire Road
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5
Take the ramp slight right
1937 ft · 47 sec
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6
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
69.9 mi · 1 hr 17 min
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8
Continue straight
86.8 mi · 1 hr 33 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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10
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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11
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
4.7 mi · 5 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1602 ft · 39 sec
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14
Keep slight left to continue on High Trestle Trail
78 m · 8 sec
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15
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · East 1st Street
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16
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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17
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Eldridge and Ankeny.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
East Leclaire Road
Continue straight
86.8 mi · 01h 33m
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 Eldridge and Sunny near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Eldridge to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 169.4 miles (272.7 km) and usually takes 02h 35m 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?
Williamsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84.6 miles from Eldridge and 84.9 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156 miles (251 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.4 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 1:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.55 one way or $45.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Eldridge and Sunny near Ankeny.
Stop Ideas Near Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Eldridge and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 155.94 mi (250.96 km).
#1 Eldridge
City in Scott County Iowa
| Population | 6,864 |
| Coordinates | 41.6580900, -90.5845800 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| 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: 273 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.55 | $45.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.43 | $50.87 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.83 | $55.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.72 | $63.44 |
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.