How far is Urbandale, IA from Fort Dodge, IA?
The driving distance from Urbandale, IA to Fort Dodge, IA is about 98.2 miles (158 km), with a travel time of about 01h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 64.6 miles (103.9 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 Iowa, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Urbandale and Fort Dodge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Urbandale and Fort Dodge.
-
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
56.2 mi · 1 hr 1 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
-
11
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 32 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right
1724 ft · 49 sec
-
13
Turn right onto Nelson Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Nelson Avenue
-
14
Continue on Quail Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Quail Avenue
-
15
Turn left onto 220th Street
2515 ft · 48 sec · 220th Street
-
16
Continue on Mill Road
1.6 km · 2 min · Mill Road
-
17
Continue on Paragon Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Paragon Avenue
-
18
Continue on South 32nd Street
2798 ft · 1 min · South 32nd Street
-
19
Turn left onto 8th Avenue South
1.6 km · 2 min · 8th Avenue South
-
20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Urbandale and Fort Dodge.
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
56.2 mi · 01h 01m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Urbandale and Mostly Sunny near Fort Dodge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Urbandale to Fort Dodge?
The road trip is about 98.2 miles (158 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?
Randall is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.1 miles from Urbandale and 49.1 miles from Fort Dodge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 64.6 miles (103.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.6 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 $13.05 one way or $26.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Urbandale and Mostly Sunny near Fort Dodge.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Urbandale and Fort Dodge. Straight-line distance: 64.55 mi (103.88 km).
#1 Urbandale
A city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 44,650 |
| Coordinates | 41.6266600, -93.7121700 |
| Altitude | 288 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fort Dodge
City in Iowa
| Population | 23,906 |
| Coordinates | 42.4974700, -94.1680200 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fort Dodge (-94.16802, 42.49747)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 158 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.05 | $26.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.72 | $29.43 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.10 | $32.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.35 | $36.70 |
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 · Jun 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.