How far is Fairfax, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Fairfax, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 106.9 miles (172.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 94.9 miles (152.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 41m 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 50m.
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.
Human settlement in Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fairfax and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfax and Ankeny.
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1
Start on Vanderbilt Street
135 m · 22 sec · Vanderbilt Street
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2
Turn right onto Church Street
765 ft · 36 sec · Church Street
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3
Turn right onto Williams Boulevard
1.1 mi · 2 min · Williams Boulevard
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4
Turn left onto 80th Street Southwest
2 mi · 5 min · 80th Street Southwest
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5
Take the ramp left
69 m · 6 sec
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6
Keep slight left to continue on US 30 West, US 218 North
1371 ft · 33 sec
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7
Merge slight left
64.5 mi · 1 hr 14 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
1818 ft · 46 sec
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9
Turn left onto Marshalltown Boulevard
28.2 mi · 32 min · Marshalltown Boulevard
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10
Turn right onto Northeast 94th Avenue
8.5 mi · 13 min · Northeast 94th Avenue
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11
Continue on East 1st Street
1.8 mi · 4 min · East 1st Street
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12
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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13
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairfax and Ankeny.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 30 West
Merge slight left
64.5 mi · 01h 14m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Fairfax 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 Fairfax to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 106.9 miles (172.1 km) and usually takes 01h 50m 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?
Montour is a useful midpoint, sitting about 53.4 miles from Fairfax and 53.5 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 94.9 miles (152.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 12 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 2:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.25 one way or $28.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Fairfax and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ankeny.
Stop Ideas Near Montour
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 Montour.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fairfax and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 94.86 mi (152.66 km).
#1 Fairfax
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,934 |
| Coordinates | 41.9194500, -91.7810100 |
| Altitude | 236 |
| 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: 172 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.25 | $28.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.08 | $32.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.59 | $35.18 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.05 | $40.10 |
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.