How far is Fairfield, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Fairfield, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 120 miles (193.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 98.7 miles (158.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 58m 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 59m.
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 Fairfield and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield and Ankeny.
-
1
Start on East Briggs Avenue
662 ft · 34 sec · East Briggs Avenue
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2
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
717 ft · 18 sec · North 2nd Street
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3
Turn right onto West Burlington Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · West Burlington Avenue
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4
Continue on Old US 34
1.6 km · 2 min · Old US 34
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5
Take the ramp right toward US 34, IA 163 West: Ottumwa
2240 ft · 55 sec
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6
Merge slight left
32.5 mi · 38 min
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7
Continue straight
69.4 mi · 1 hr 20 min
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8
Take the exit right
2180 ft · 53 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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10
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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13
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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14
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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15
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
4.7 mi · 5 min
-
16
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1602 ft · 39 sec
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17
Keep slight left to continue on High Trestle Trail
78 m · 8 sec
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18
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · East 1st Street
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19
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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20
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairfield 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 34
Continue straight
69.4 mi · 01h 20m
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 Fairfield and Sunny near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fairfield to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 120 miles (193.1 km) and usually takes 01h 59m 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?
Leighton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.8 miles from Fairfield and 60.1 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 98.7 miles (158.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.3 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 2:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.95 one way or $31.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fairfield and Sunny near Ankeny.
Stop Ideas Near Leighton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Leighton.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fairfield and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 98.69 mi (158.83 km).
#1 Fairfield
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,500 |
| Coordinates | 41.0086300, -91.9626700 |
| 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: 193 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.95 | $31.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.99 | $35.98 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.69 | $39.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.44 | $44.87 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.