How far is Urbandale, IA from Cresco, IA?
The driving distance from Urbandale, IA to Cresco, IA is about 191.9 miles (308.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 146 miles (235 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 43m 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 51m.
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.
Human settlement in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Urbandale and Cresco.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Urbandale and Cresco.
-
1
Start on Maryland Drive
4 m · 3 sec · Maryland Drive
-
2
Turn right onto 70th Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · 70th Street
-
3
At the end of the road, turn right onto Meredith Drive
1.2 km · 1 min · Meredith Drive
-
4
Turn left onto Merle Hay Road
2756 ft · 1 min · Merle Hay Road
-
5
Take the ramp right toward I-35 north, I-80 east
1663 ft · 41 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
4 mi · 5 min
-
7
Continue straight
1.2 km · 51 sec
-
8
Continue straight
3105 ft · 41 sec
-
9
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
103.6 mi · 1 hr 52 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
1 mi · 2 min
-
11
Merge slight left
30.4 mi · 35 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward US 218, CR T44: Floyd
2362 ft · 1 min
-
13
Turn left onto Monroe Street
11.4 mi · 16 min · Monroe Street
-
14
Turn right onto State Highway 9
12.3 mi · 17 min · State Highway 9
-
15
Continue on Highway 9
1.2 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
-
16
Continue on West Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · West Main Street
-
17
Continue on State Highway 9
20.6 mi · 28 min · State Highway 9
-
18
Continue on 2nd Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
-
19
Turn left onto 3rd Street Southwest
774 ft · 15 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
-
20
Continue on 3rd Street West
3257 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street West
-
21
Turn right onto 8th Avenue West
1678 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue West
-
22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Avenue East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Urbandale and Cresco.
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 35 North
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
104 mi · 01h 52m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Urbandale and Showers And Thunderstorms near Cresco.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Urbandale to Cresco?
The road trip is about 191.9 miles (308.9 km) and usually takes 03h 51m 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?
Thornton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 95.9 miles from Urbandale and 96 miles from Cresco.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 146 miles (235 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.9 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 9:16 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.53 one way or $51.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 60.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Urbandale and Showers And Thunderstorms near Cresco.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Urbandale and Cresco. Straight-line distance: 146.02 mi (235 km).
#1 Urbandale
A city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 44,650 |
| Coordinates | 41.6266600, -93.7121700 |
| Altitude | 288 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cresco (-92.11405, 43.38136)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 309 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.53 | $51.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.79 | $57.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.51 | $63.02 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.91 | $71.82 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.