How far is Oelwein, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Oelwein, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 156.1 miles (251.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 108.4 miles (174.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 03m 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 31m.
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 Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Oelwein and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oelwein and Ankeny.
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1
Start on South Frederick Avenue
1 km · 1 min · South Frederick Avenue
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2
Turn left onto 10th Street Southeast
820 ft · 24 sec · 10th Street Southeast
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3
Turn right onto Rock Island Road
2699 ft · 45 sec · Rock Island Road
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4
Continue on Palace Road
1.6 km · 1 min · Palace Road
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5
Continue on Jackson Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Jackson Avenue
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6
Continue on Main Street North
1.2 km · 1 min · Main Street North
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7
Continue on Jackson Avenue
5 mi · 7 min · Jackson Avenue
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8
Continue on Jamestown Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Jamestown Avenue
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9
Continue on 5th Avenue Northeast
1.5 km · 1 min · 5th Avenue Northeast
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10
Turn right onto 1st Street East
647 ft · 18 sec · 1st Street East
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11
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue Southeast
1.3 mi · 2 min · 3rd Avenue Southeast
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12
Take the ramp right
2002 ft · 49 sec
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13
Merge slight left
21.2 mi · 24 min
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14
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
66.5 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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16
Merge slight left
49.6 mi · 54 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 Oelwein and Ankeny.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
66.5 mi · 01h 17m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Oelwein and Partly Cloudy near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Oelwein to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 156.1 miles (251.2 km) and usually takes 02h 31m 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?
Steamboat Rock is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78 miles from Oelwein and 78.1 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 108.4 miles (174.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.7 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 1:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.78 one way or $41.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Oelwein and Partly Cloudy near Ankeny.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Oelwein and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 108.41 mi (174.47 km).
#1 Oelwein
City in Fayette County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 5,789 |
| Coordinates | 42.6733200, -91.9135000 |
| Altitude | 319 |
| 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: 251 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.78 | $41.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.43 | $46.87 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.64 | $51.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.23 | $58.45 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.