How far is University Heights, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from University Heights, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 114.4 miles (184.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.8 miles (170.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 53m 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 56m.
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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between University Heights and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between University Heights and Ankeny.
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1
Start on Koser Avenue
761 ft · 36 sec · Koser Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Sunset Street
79 m · 18 sec · Sunset Street
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3
Turn left onto Melrose Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · Melrose Avenue
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4
Take the ramp right
1993 ft · 49 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
2.5 mi · 3 min · Avenue of the Saints
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1327 ft · 32 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Des Moines
1.1 mi · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left
99.5 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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10
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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11
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
4.7 mi · 5 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1602 ft · 39 sec
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14
Keep slight left to continue on High Trestle Trail
78 m · 8 sec
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15
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · East 1st Street
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16
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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17
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between University Heights and Ankeny.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 West
Merge slight left
99.5 mi · 01h 47m
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 Sunny leaving University Heights and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from University Heights to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 114.4 miles (184.1 km) and usually takes 01h 56m 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?
Malcom is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56.8 miles from University Heights and 57.6 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.8 miles (170.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.6 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.23 one way or $30.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around University Heights and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ankeny.
Stop Ideas Near Malcom
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 Malcom.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between University Heights and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 105.84 mi (170.33 km).
#1 University Heights
Town in Johnson County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,025 |
| Coordinates | 41.6550200, -91.5568400 |
| Altitude | 233 |
| 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: 184 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.23 | $30.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.18 | $34.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.80 | $37.60 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.43 | $42.86 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.