How far is Laurens, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Laurens, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 143.4 miles (230.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 100 miles (161 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 41m 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 02h 20m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, in the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Laurens and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Laurens and Ankeny.
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1
Start on West Main Street
38 m · 8 sec · West Main Street
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2
Turn right onto South 3rd Street
1402 ft · 39 sec · South 3rd Street
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3
Turn left onto State Highway 10
1.4 km · 1 min · State Highway 10
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4
Continue on 450th Street
6.1 mi · 8 min · 450th Street
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5
Continue on Cummins Road
2 mi · 3 min · Cummins Road
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6
At the end of the road, turn right onto 220th Avenue
5.5 mi · 7 min · 220th Avenue
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7
Continue on Northwest 7th Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 7th Street
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8
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · 220th Avenue
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9
Continue on Marengo Avenue
2317 ft · 39 sec · Marengo Avenue
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10
Continue on North East Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North East Street
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11
Continue on Marengo Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Marengo Avenue
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Marshall Avenue
2.3 mi · 3 min · Marshall Avenue
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13
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
1749 ft · 48 sec
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14
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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16
Merge slight left
49.1 mi · 53 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1422 ft · 35 sec
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18
Keep slight right
92 m · 9 sec
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19
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
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20
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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21
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Laurens 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.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 01h 04m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Laurens and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Laurens to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 143.4 miles (230.7 km) and usually takes 02h 20m 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?
Duncombe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.6 miles from Laurens and 71.7 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 100 miles (161 km), while the road route adds roughly 43.4 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 1:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.08 one way or $38.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Laurens and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ankeny.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Laurens and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 100.06 mi (161.03 km).
#1 Laurens
City in Pocahontas County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,126 |
| Coordinates | 42.8466400, -94.8519300 |
| Altitude | 399 |
| 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: 231 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.08 | $38.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.52 | $43.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.55 | $47.10 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.84 | $53.68 |
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 · May 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.