How far is Forest City, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Forest City, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 113.5 miles (182.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.9 miles (170.5 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.
City in Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Forest City and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Forest City and Ankeny.
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1
Start on South 4th Street
109 m · 18 sec · South 4th Street
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2
Turn right onto East J Street
1114 ft · 28 sec · East J Street
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3
Turn right
11 mi · 15 min
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4
Turn left onto US Highway 18
1.1 mi · 2 min · US Highway 18
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5
Turn right onto Sage Avenue
26.7 mi · 37 min · Sage Avenue
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6
Turn left
15 mi · 21 min
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7
Turn left onto 190th Street
3.4 mi · 6 min · 190th Street
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8
Take the ramp right toward Somerset Road
2433 ft · 59 sec
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9
Merge slight left
53.7 mi · 58 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1422 ft · 35 sec
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11
Keep slight right
92 m · 9 sec
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12
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
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13
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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14
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Forest City and Ankeny.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Somerset Road
Merge slight left
53.7 mi · 00h 58m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Forest City and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Forest City to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 113.5 miles (182.7 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?
Williams is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56.9 miles from Forest City and 56.7 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.9 miles (170.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.6 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 $15.12 one way or $30.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Forest City and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ankeny.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Forest City and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 105.91 mi (170.45 km).
#1 Forest City
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 4,025 |
| Coordinates | 43.2624600, -93.6371600 |
| Altitude | 383 |
| 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: 183 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.12 | $30.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.05 | $34.11 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.66 | $37.33 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.27 | $42.54 |
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.