How far is Urbandale, IA from Pella, IA?
The driving distance from Urbandale, IA to Pella, IA is about 53.1 miles (85.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 43.9 miles (70.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 14m 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 07m.
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 Jasper County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Urbandale and Pella.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Urbandale and Pella.
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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
29.5 mi · 34 min · East University Avenue
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16
Take the exit slight right toward CR G28: Pella, Lake Red Rock
2170 ft · 57 sec
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17
Turn left onto County Highway G28
121 m · 8 sec · County Highway G28
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18
Continue on Washington Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · Washington Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Urbandale and Pella.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
East University Avenue
Continue on East University Avenue
29.5 mi · 00h 34m
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 Urbandale and Sunny near Pella.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Urbandale to Pella?
The road trip is about 53.1 miles (85.5 km) and usually takes 01h 07m 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?
Prairie City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.5 miles from Urbandale and 26.6 miles from Pella.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 43.9 miles (70.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.2 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 4:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.05 one way or $14.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Urbandale and Sunny near Pella.
Stop Ideas Near Prairie City
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 Prairie City.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Urbandale and Pella. Straight-line distance: 43.86 mi (70.58 km).
#1 Urbandale
A city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 44,650 |
| Coordinates | 41.6266600, -93.7121700 |
| Altitude | 288 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Pella
City in Marion County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,266 |
| Coordinates | 41.4080500, -92.9163100 |
| Altitude | 270 |
| Country | United States |
End: Pella (-92.91631, 41.40805)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 85 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.05 | $14.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.95 | $15.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.70 | $17.41 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.92 | $19.84 |
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.