How far is Elk Run Heights, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Elk Run Heights, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 109.4 miles (176 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 85.9 miles (138.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 54m 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 01h 57m.
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elk Run Heights and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elk Run Heights and Ankeny.
-
1
Start on Gilbertville Road
3002 ft · 1 min · Gilbertville Road
-
2
Turn right onto Evansdale Drive
1143 ft · 23 sec · Evansdale Drive
-
3
Take the ramp slight right
1766 ft · 43 sec
-
4
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
2.5 mi · 3 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
5
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
66.5 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
-
7
Merge slight left
49.6 mi · 54 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1422 ft · 35 sec
-
9
Keep slight right
92 m · 9 sec
-
10
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
-
11
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
-
12
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elk Run Heights and Ankeny.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
66.5 mi · 01h 17m
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny leaving Elk Run Heights and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elk Run Heights to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 109.4 miles (176 km) and usually takes 01h 57m 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 60.9 miles from Elk Run Heights and 48.5 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 85.9 miles (138.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.56 one way or $29.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny around Elk Run Heights and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Ankeny.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elk Run Heights and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 85.9 mi (138.24 km).
#1 Elk Run Heights
City in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,135 |
| Coordinates | 42.4669300, -92.2565700 |
| Altitude | 259 |
| 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: 176 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.56 | $29.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.42 | $32.83 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.96 | $35.93 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.47 | $40.95 |
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 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.