How far is Ottumwa, IA from Waukee, IA?
The driving distance from Ottumwa, IA to Waukee, IA is about 107.1 miles (172.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 86.7 miles (139.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 36m 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 48m.
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 and seat of Marion County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ottumwa and Waukee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ottumwa and Waukee.
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1
Start on West Fourth Street
1124 ft · 29 sec · West Fourth Street
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2
Turn right onto North Wapello Street
121 m · 5 sec · North Wapello Street
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3
Continue on Old US Highway 63
4.8 mi · 6 min · Old US Highway 63
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4
Turn left
1752 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
22.8 mi · 26 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 92: Oskaloosa, Knoxville
2175 ft · 1 min
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7
Turn left onto A Avenue West
32.4 mi · 36 min · A Avenue West
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8
Turn right
575 ft · 7 sec
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9
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 23 min · State Highway 5
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10
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
12.3 mi · 14 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1.4 km · 2 min
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12
Merge slight left
5.7 mi · 7 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 6
1530 ft · 39 sec
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14
Turn left onto Hickman Road
5.7 mi · 10 min · Hickman Road
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15
Turn left onto 6th Street
1119 ft · 34 sec · 6th Street
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16
Turn left onto Ashworth Drive
43 m · 5 sec · Ashworth Drive
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Ashworth Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ottumwa and Waukee.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
A Avenue West
Turn left onto A Avenue West
32.4 mi · 00h 36m
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 Ottumwa and Sunny near Waukee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ottumwa to Waukee?
The road trip is about 107.1 miles (172.3 km) and usually takes 01h 48m 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?
Knoxville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 52.6 miles from Ottumwa and 54.4 miles from Waukee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 86.7 miles (139.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.4 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 2:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.25 one way or $28.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ottumwa and Sunny near Waukee.
Stop Ideas Near Knoxville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Knoxville.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ottumwa and Waukee. Straight-line distance: 86.72 mi (139.57 km).
#1 Ottumwa
City in Iowa
| Population | 24,375 |
| Coordinates | 41.0200100, -92.4113000 |
| Altitude | 205 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Waukee
City in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 26,166 |
| Coordinates | 41.6116600, -93.8852300 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ashworth Drive (-93.885151, 41.611761)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 172 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.25 | $28.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.08 | $32.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.59 | $35.18 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.05 | $40.10 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.