How far is Fort Dodge, IA from Ankeny, IA?
Fastest route
The distance between Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501, and Ankeny, Iowa is approximately 85.0 miles (137 kilometers). The fastest route is via US-20 E and I-35 S, and the estimated travel time is 1 hour and 23 minutes.
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Directions
- Head south on S 22nd St toward Highland Park Ave.
- Turn left onto 15th Ave S.
- Turn right onto Paragon Ave.
- Paragon Ave will slightly turn left and become Mill Rd.
- Turn right onto US-20 BUS E.
- Take the ramp to Waterloo.
- Follow US-20 E and I-35 S to E 1st St in Ankeny.
- Take exit 92 from I-35 S.
- Keep right and merge onto E 1st St.
- Turn left onto SE Sharon Dr.
- Turn right onto S Ankeny Blvd.
- Turn left onto E 1st St.
- Pass by KFC (on the right in 0.3 mi).
- Turn left onto SE Sharon Dr.
- Turn right onto S Ankeny Blvd.
- Pass by Jimmy John's (on the left).
Tips & Suggestions
- 🛣️ Take US-20 E and I-35 S for the fastest route.
- ⛽ Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey.
- 🚓 Observe speed limits and traffic regulations.
- 🍴 Consider taking some snacks and water for the road.
- 🚧 Check for any road closures or construction updates before starting the trip.
FAQs
Q: How long is the distance between Fort Dodge and Ankeny? A: The distance is approximately 85.0 miles (137 kilometers).
Q: What is the estimated travel time between the two locations? A: The estimated travel time is 1 hour and 23 minutes.
Q: Which route is the fastest to reach Ankeny from Fort Dodge? A: The fastest route is via US-20 E and I-35 S.
Q: Are there any specific landmarks or signs to look for on the way? A: Yes, you'll pass by KFC on the right and Jimmy John's on the left.
Q: Is there a possibility of traffic congestion along the route? A: Traffic conditions can vary, so it's advisable to check for real-time updates before starting the journey.
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 25m.
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
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Dodge and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Dodge and Ankeny.
-
1
Start on 8th Avenue South
1.6 km · 2 min · 8th Avenue South
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto South 32nd Street
2798 ft · 1 min · South 32nd Street
-
3
Continue on Paragon Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Paragon Avenue
-
4
Continue on Mill Road
1.6 km · 2 min · Mill Road
-
5
Continue on 220th Street
2515 ft · 50 sec · 220th Street
-
6
Turn right onto Quail Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Quail Avenue
-
7
Continue on Nelson Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · Nelson Avenue
-
8
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
28.1 mi · 33 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
-
10
Merge slight left
49.1 mi · 53 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1422 ft · 35 sec
-
12
Keep slight right
92 m · 9 sec
-
13
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
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14
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
-
15
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Dodge 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.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
49.1 mi · 00h 53m
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 Fort Dodge and 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 Fort Dodge to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 85.8 miles (138.1 km) and usually takes 01h 25m 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?
Ellsworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 42.6 miles from Fort Dodge and 43.2 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 60.4 miles (97.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.4 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 3:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.43 one way or $22.85 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Fort Dodge and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ankeny.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Dodge and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 60.37 mi (97.15 km).
#1 Fort Dodge
City in Iowa
| Population | 23,906 |
| Coordinates | 42.4974700, -94.1680200 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| 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: 138 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.43 | $22.85 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.89 | $25.77 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.10 | $28.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.07 | $32.14 |
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.