How far is Pella, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Pella, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 51.1 miles (82.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 42 miles (67.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 49m 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 00h 54m.
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 Jasper County, Iowa
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 Pella and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pella and Ankeny.
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1
Start on Washington Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Washington Street
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2
Take the ramp right
2013 ft · 49 sec
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3
Merge slight left
34.5 mi · 40 min
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4
Take the exit right
2180 ft · 53 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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6
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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9
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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10
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
4.7 mi · 5 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1602 ft · 39 sec
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13
Keep slight left to continue on High Trestle Trail
78 m · 8 sec
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14
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · East 1st Street
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15
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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16
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Pella and Ankeny.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Washington Street
Merge slight left
34.5 mi · 00h 40m
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 Pella and Sunny near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Pella to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 51.1 miles (82.2 km) and usually takes 00h 54m 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?
Prairie City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.5 miles from Pella and 25.6 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 42 miles (67.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.1 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 4:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.79 one way or $13.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Pella and Sunny near Ankeny.
Stop Ideas Near Prairie City
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 Prairie City.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Pella and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 42 mi (67.59 km).
#1 Pella
City in Marion County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,266 |
| Coordinates | 41.4080500, -92.9163100 |
| Altitude | 270 |
| 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: 82 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.79 | $13.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.66 | $15.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.38 | $16.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.55 | $19.09 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.