How far is Iowa Falls, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa Falls, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 73.2 miles (117.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 13m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 57.7 miles (92.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 26m 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 13m.
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 Iowa, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa Falls and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa Falls and Ankeny.
-
1
Start on Commercial Street
101 m · 11 sec · Commercial Street
-
2
Turn right onto East Rocksylvania Avenue
2967 ft · 1 min · East Rocksylvania Avenue
-
3
Turn left onto Oak Street
5 mi · 8 min · Oak Street
-
4
Take the ramp right toward US 20 West
1882 ft · 46 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
15.4 mi · 18 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
-
7
Merge slight left
49.6 mi · 54 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1422 ft · 35 sec
-
9
Keep slight right
92 m · 9 sec
-
10
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
-
11
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
-
12
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa Falls 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
49.6 mi · 00h 54m
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 Iowa Falls and Sunny near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa Falls to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 73.2 miles (117.8 km) and usually takes 01h 13m 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?
Randall is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36.6 miles from Iowa Falls and 36.6 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 57.7 miles (92.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.5 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 4:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.73 one way or $19.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Iowa Falls and Sunny near Ankeny.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa Falls and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 57.71 mi (92.87 km).
#1 Iowa Falls
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 4,940 |
| Coordinates | 42.5224800, -93.2513100 |
| Altitude | 337 |
| 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: 118 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.73 | $19.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.97 | $21.95 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.01 | $24.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.68 | $27.37 |
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.