How far is Remsen, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Remsen, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 198 miles (318.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.4 miles (229.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 20m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 10m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 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 Remsen and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Remsen and Ankeny.
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1
Start on South Washington Street
2276 ft · 2 min · South Washington Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto State Highway 3
1.3 km · 2 min · State Highway 3
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3
Turn right onto State Highway 140
15.1 mi · 21 min · State Highway 140
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4
Turn left onto 320th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 320th Street
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5
Turn right onto Shamrock Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · Shamrock Avenue
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6
Continue on Lee Avenue
5.4 mi · 8 min · Lee Avenue
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7
Turn left onto Highway 20
19 mi · 23 min · Highway 20
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8
Continue on United States Highway 20
8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
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9
Continue on 220th Street
93.4 mi · 1 hr 48 min · 220th Street
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left
49.1 mi · 53 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1422 ft · 35 sec
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13
Keep slight right
92 m · 9 sec
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14
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.4 mi · 3 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 Remsen 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.
220th Street
Continue on 220th Street
93.4 mi · 01h 48m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Remsen and Sunny near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Remsen to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 198 miles (318.7 km) and usually takes 03h 10m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98.9 miles from Remsen and 99.1 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.4 miles (229.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 55.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.36 one way or $52.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Remsen and Sunny near Ankeny.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Remsen and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 142.37 mi (229.12 km).
#1 Remsen
City in Plymouth County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,607 |
| Coordinates | 42.8147100, -95.9733500 |
| Altitude | 405 |
| 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: 319 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.36 | $52.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.73 | $59.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.53 | $65.06 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.07 | $74.15 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.