How far is Monticello, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Monticello, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 151.4 miles (243.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 129.1 miles (207.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 06m 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 33m.
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.
Human settlement in Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Monticello and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monticello and Ankeny.
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1
Start on North Maple Street
22 m · 9 sec · North Maple Street
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2
Turn left onto East 1st Street
846 ft · 17 sec · East 1st Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto South Main Street
1.9 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
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4
Continue on Amber Road
1280 ft · 26 sec · Amber Road
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5
Take the ramp right
25.3 mi · 30 min
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6
Turn left
1.1 mi · 2 min
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7
Turn right
15.2 mi · 19 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown
1.2 km · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left onto 16th Avenue Southwest
2.4 mi · 3 min · 16th Avenue Southwest
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10
Continue on 73rd Street
24.4 mi · 28 min · 73rd Street
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11
Continue on Lincoln Highway
37.3 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
1818 ft · 46 sec
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13
Turn left onto Marshalltown Boulevard
28.2 mi · 32 min · Marshalltown Boulevard
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14
Turn right onto Northeast 94th Avenue
8.5 mi · 13 min · Northeast 94th Avenue
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15
Continue on East 1st Street
1.8 mi · 4 min · East 1st Street
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16
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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17
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Monticello 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.
Lincoln Highway
Continue on Lincoln Highway
37.3 mi · 00h 43m
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 Monticello 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 Monticello to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 151.4 miles (243.6 km) and usually takes 02h 33m 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?
Vining is a useful midpoint, sitting about 73.8 miles from Monticello and 77.7 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 129.1 miles (207.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.3 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 1:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.14 one way or $40.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Monticello and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ankeny.
Stop Ideas Near Vining
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 Vining.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Monticello and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 129.09 mi (207.75 km).
#1 Monticello
City in Jones County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,873 |
| Coordinates | 42.2383400, -91.1870900 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| 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: 244 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.14 | $40.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.71 | $45.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.85 | $49.70 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.32 | $56.65 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.