How far is Spencer, IA from Waukee, IA?
The driving distance from Spencer, IA to Waukee, IA is about 169.4 miles (272.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 123.7 miles (199.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 00m 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 03h 00m.
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 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 Spencer and Waukee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spencer and Waukee.
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1
Start on East 4th Street
21 m · 9 sec · East 4th Street
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2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
2631 ft · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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3
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 39 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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4
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 56 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
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5
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2652 ft · 58 sec · 11th Street Southwest
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6
Turn left onto 11th Avenue Southwest
1.5 mi · 2 min · 11th Avenue Southwest
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7
Continue on 215th Avenue
13.4 mi · 18 min · 215th Avenue
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8
Continue on 130th Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · 130th Avenue
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9
Continue on County Highway 71
1.1 mi · 2 min · County Highway 71
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10
Continue on 130th Avenue
27.8 mi · 38 min · 130th Avenue
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11
Continue on US 71
1014 ft · 20 sec · US 71
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12
Take the exit left toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
1841 ft · 51 sec
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13
Merge slight left
49.3 mi · 57 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 169
1966 ft · 57 sec
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15
Turn right onto Lainson Avenue
12.2 mi · 17 min · Lainson Avenue
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16
Turn left onto 360th Street
3.9 mi · 5 min · 360th Street
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17
Take the exit slight right
16.2 mi · 23 min
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18
Turn left onto 220th Street
3.7 mi · 5 min · 220th Street
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19
Take the exit slight right
2251 ft · 1 min
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20
Turn right onto H Avenue
11.4 mi · 16 min · H Avenue
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21
Continue on N Avenue
7 mi · 10 min · N Avenue
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22
Continue on 4th Street
2475 ft · 58 sec · 4th Street
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23
Continue on N Avenue
9.1 mi · 13 min · N Avenue
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24
Continue on Nile Kinnick Drive North
3226 ft · 2 min · Nile Kinnick Drive North
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25
Turn left onto Greene Street
1 km · 1 min · Greene Street
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26
Continue on 290th Street
6.2 mi · 8 min · 290th Street
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27
Turn right onto 6th Street
1076 ft · 33 sec · 6th Street
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28
Turn left onto Ashworth Drive
43 m · 5 sec · Ashworth Drive
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29
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Ashworth Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Spencer and Waukee.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
49.3 mi · 00h 57m
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 Spencer and Sunny near Waukee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Spencer to Waukee?
The road trip is about 169.4 miles (272.6 km) and usually takes 03h 00m 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?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84.6 miles from Spencer and 84.8 miles from Waukee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 123.7 miles (199.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.7 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 12:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.55 one way or $45.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Spencer and Sunny near Waukee.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Spencer and Waukee. Straight-line distance: 123.7 mi (199.07 km).
#1 Spencer
City in the state of Iowa (United States)
| Population | 10,989 |
| Coordinates | 43.1413600, -95.1444400 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| 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: 273 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.55 | $45.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.43 | $50.87 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.83 | $55.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.72 | $63.44 |
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.