How far is Urbandale, IA from Story City, IA?
The driving distance from Urbandale, IA to Story City, IA is about 47.7 miles (76.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.2 miles (63.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 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 00h 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 Story County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Urbandale and Story City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Urbandale and Story City.
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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 right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
37.9 mi · 41 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Story City
1575 ft · 45 sec
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11
Turn left onto 115th Street
130 m · 9 sec · 115th Street
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12
Continue on Broad Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · Broad Street
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13
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
16 m · 2 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Urbandale and Story City.
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
37.9 mi · 00h 41m
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 Story City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Urbandale to Story City?
The road trip is about 47.7 miles (76.7 km) and usually takes 00h 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?
Huxley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.9 miles from Urbandale and 23.8 miles from Story City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.2 miles (63.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.5 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 4:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.34 one way or $12.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Urbandale and Sunny near Story City.
Stop Ideas Near Huxley
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 Huxley.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Urbandale and Story City. Straight-line distance: 39.19 mi (63.07 km).
#1 Urbandale
A city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 44,650 |
| Coordinates | 41.6266600, -93.7121700 |
| Altitude | 288 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Story City
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,320 |
| Coordinates | 42.1872100, -93.5957700 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: Story City (-93.59577, 42.18721)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 77 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.34 | $12.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.15 | $14.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.82 | $15.64 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.91 | $17.82 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.