How far is Urbandale, IA from Ottumwa, IA?
The driving distance from Urbandale, IA to Ottumwa, IA is about 97.2 miles (156.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 79.5 miles (127.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 54m 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 57m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Marion County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Urbandale and Ottumwa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Urbandale and Ottumwa.
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1
Start on Maryland Drive
4 m · 3 sec · Maryland Drive
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2
Turn right onto 70th Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · 70th Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto Meredith Drive
1.2 km · 1 min · Meredith Drive
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4
Turn left onto Merle Hay Road
2756 ft · 1 min · Merle Hay Road
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5
Take the ramp right toward I-35 north, I-80 east
1663 ft · 41 sec
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6
Merge slight left
4 mi · 5 min
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7
Continue straight
1.2 km · 51 sec
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8
Continue straight
3105 ft · 41 sec
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9
Keep slight left
3.3 mi · 4 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward IA 163: East University Avenue, Pleasant Hill
2194 ft · 55 sec
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13
Turn left onto East University Avenue
3.3 mi · 4 min · East University Avenue
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14
Continue on Northeast University Avenue
1.8 mi · 2 min · Northeast University Avenue
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15
Continue on East University Avenue
70.5 mi · 1 hr 21 min · East University Avenue
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16
Take the exit slight right
1937 ft · 48 sec
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17
Turn right onto Old US Highway 63
2.6 mi · 3 min · Old US Highway 63
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18
Continue on South Wapello Street
2.2 mi · 3 min · South Wapello Street
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19
Turn left onto West Fourth Street
1163 ft · 27 sec · West Fourth Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Fourth Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Urbandale and Ottumwa.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
East University Avenue
Continue on East University Avenue
70.5 mi · 01h 21m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Urbandale and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ottumwa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Urbandale to Ottumwa?
The road trip is about 97.2 miles (156.5 km) and usually takes 01h 57m 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?
Pella is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.5 miles from Urbandale and 48.7 miles from Ottumwa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 79.5 miles (127.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.7 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 2:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.93 one way or $25.87 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Urbandale and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ottumwa.
Stop Ideas Near Pella
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Pella.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Urbandale and Ottumwa. Straight-line distance: 79.45 mi (127.87 km).
#1 Urbandale
A city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 44,650 |
| Coordinates | 41.6266600, -93.7121700 |
| Altitude | 288 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ottumwa
City in Iowa
| Population | 24,375 |
| Coordinates | 41.0200100, -92.4113000 |
| Altitude | 205 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ottumwa (-92.4113, 41.02001)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 156 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.93 | $25.87 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.59 | $29.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.96 | $31.93 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.19 | $36.39 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.