How far is Lake City, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Lake City, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 96.1 miles (154.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 68.8 miles (110.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 21m 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 40m.
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.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake City and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake City and Ankeny.
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1
Start on North Center Street
14 m · 7 sec · North Center Street
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2
Turn left onto East Main Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
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3
Continue on 360th Street
7 mi · 10 min · 360th Street
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4
Continue on 5th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 5th Street
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5
Continue on 360th Street
14.9 mi · 20 min · 360th Street
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6
Turn right onto Indiana Avenue
4 mi · 5 min · Indiana Avenue
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7
Continue on U Avenue
6.8 mi · 9 min · U Avenue
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8
Continue on Mc Intyre Street
1 km · 1 min · Mc Intyre Street
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9
Continue on U Avenue
4.4 mi · 6 min · U Avenue
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10
Continue on 9th Street North
919 ft · 26 sec · 9th Street North
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11
Turn left onto 220th Street
23.9 mi · 31 min · 220th Street
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12
Continue on 230th Street
11 mi · 13 min · 230th Street
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business South, I 35 South: Des Moines
19 mi · 21 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1422 ft · 35 sec
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15
Keep slight right
92 m · 9 sec
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16
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
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17
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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18
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake 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.
220th Street
Turn left onto 220th Street
23.9 mi · 00h 31m
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.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Lake City 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 Lake City to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 96.1 miles (154.6 km) and usually takes 01h 40m 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?
Beaver is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.5 miles from Lake City and 47.6 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 68.8 miles (110.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.3 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 3:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.78 one way or $25.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Lake City and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ankeny.
Stop Ideas Near Beaver
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 Beaver.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake City and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 68.82 mi (110.75 km).
#1 Lake City
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,642 |
| Coordinates | 42.2674800, -94.7338700 |
| Altitude | 378 |
| 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: 155 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.78 | $25.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.42 | $28.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.78 | $31.55 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.98 | $35.96 |
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.