How far is Indianola, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Indianola, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 33.7 miles (54.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 25.8 miles (41.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 16m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 38m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
The capital of Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Indianola and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Indianola and Ankeny.
-
1
Start on the route
24 m · 11 sec
-
2
Turn left onto East 2nd Avenue
89 m · 9 sec · East 2nd Avenue
-
3
Turn right onto South Jefferson Way
10.2 mi · 16 min · South Jefferson Way
-
4
Continue on Southridge Boulevard
1.7 mi · 2 min · Southridge Boulevard
-
5
Continue on Southeast 14th Street
4.8 mi · 9 min · Southeast 14th Street
-
6
Continue on Johnson Court
810 ft · 22 sec · Johnson Court
-
7
Continue on East 15th Street
2136 ft · 60 sec · East 15th Street
-
8
Take the ramp right toward I-235 east
1.1 km · 58 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
4.8 mi · 6 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
10
Continue straight
4 mi · 5 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1602 ft · 39 sec
-
12
Keep slight left to continue on High Trestle Trail
78 m · 8 sec
-
13
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · East 1st Street
-
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
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Indianola and Ankeny.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
South Jefferson Way
Turn right onto South Jefferson Way
10.2 mi · 00h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Rain Showers then Sunny leaving Indianola 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 Indianola to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 33.7 miles (54.3 km) and usually takes 00h 38m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Des Moines is a useful midpoint, sitting about 14.5 miles from Indianola and 19.3 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 25.8 miles (41.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.49 one way or $8.97 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around Indianola and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ankeny.
Stop Ideas Near Des Moines
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 Des Moines.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Indianola and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 25.8 mi (41.52 km).
#1 Indianola
City in Mississippi
| Population | 16,072 |
| Coordinates | 41.3580500, -93.5574400 |
| Altitude | 295 |
| 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: 54 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.49 | $8.97 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.06 | $10.12 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.54 | $11.08 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.31 | $12.62 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.