How far is Waukee, IA from Le Mars, IA?
The driving distance from Waukee, IA to Le Mars, IA is about 212.9 miles (342.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.5 miles (229.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 55m 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 57m.
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.
City in Harrison 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 Waukee and Le Mars.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukee and Le Mars.
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1
Start on Ashworth Drive
43 m · 14 sec · Ashworth Drive
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2
Turn sharp left onto 6th Street
1.3 km · 1 min · 6th Street
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3
Continue on Ute Avenue
2.6 mi · 4 min · Ute Avenue
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4
Take the ramp right toward I-80 west: Council Bluffs
1464 ft · 36 sec
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5
Merge slight left
89.2 mi · 1 hr 36 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 880 West: North Omaha, Sioux City
16.7 mi · 18 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 29 North: Sioux City
2271 ft · 39 sec
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8
Merge slight left
72.2 mi · 1 hr 18 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East, US 75 North: Fort Dodge, Le Mars
1.2 km · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left
27.5 mi · 33 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 3: Plymouth Street, Business District
2195 ft · 57 sec
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12
Turn right onto State Highway 3
1.4 km · 1 min · State Highway 3
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13
Continue on Plymouth Street West
112 m · 6 sec · Plymouth Street West
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14
Continue on Plymouth Street Southwest
2601 ft · 1 min · Plymouth Street Southwest
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15
Turn left onto 5th Avenue Northwest
134 m · 13 sec · 5th Avenue Northwest
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16
Turn right onto 1st Street Northwest
2204 ft · 1 min · 1st Street Northwest
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Street Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waukee and Le Mars.
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-80 west
Merge slight left
89.2 mi · 01h 36m
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.
Sunny leaving Waukee and Sunny near Le Mars.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukee to Le Mars?
The road trip is about 212.9 miles (342.6 km) and usually takes 03h 57m 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?
Missouri Valley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 106.3 miles from Waukee and 106.6 miles from Le Mars.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.5 miles (229.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 70.4 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 9:04 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.32 one way or $56.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 66.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waukee and Sunny near Le Mars.
Stop Ideas Near Missouri Valley
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 Missouri Valley.
Omaha
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukee and Le Mars. Straight-line distance: 142.46 mi (229.27 km).
#1 Waukee
City in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 26,166 |
| Coordinates | 41.6116600, -93.8852300 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Le Mars
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,195 |
| Coordinates | 42.7941600, -96.1655800 |
| Altitude | 376 |
| Country | United States |
End: Le Mars (-96.16558, 42.79416)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 343 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $28.32 | $56.64 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.94 | $63.88 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $34.95 | $69.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $39.83 | $79.67 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.