How far is West Branch, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from West Branch, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 124 miles (199.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 116.6 miles (187.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 57m 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 58m.
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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Branch and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Branch and Ankeny.
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1
Start on Main Street
91 m · 8 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn right onto Parkside Drive
2062 ft · 41 sec · Parkside Drive
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3
Take the ramp right
1452 ft · 35 sec
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4
Merge slight left
115.3 mi · 2 hr 5 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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6
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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7
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
4.7 mi · 5 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1602 ft · 39 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on High Trestle Trail
78 m · 8 sec
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11
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · East 1st Street
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12
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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13
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Branch and Ankeny.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Parkside Drive
Merge slight left
115 mi · 02h 05m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny leaving West Branch and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Branch to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 124 miles (199.6 km) and usually takes 01h 58m 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?
Malcom is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.9 miles from West Branch and 62.1 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 116.6 miles (187.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.48 one way or $32.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny around West Branch and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Ankeny.
Stop Ideas Near Malcom
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 Malcom.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Branch and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 116.61 mi (187.67 km).
#1 West Branch
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,519 |
| Coordinates | 41.6714100, -91.3465500 |
| Altitude | 219 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ankeny
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 70,068 |
| Coordinates | 41.7297100, -93.6057700 |
| Altitude | 302 |
| Country | United States |
End: Southwest 3rd Street (-93.60577, 41.72962)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 200 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.48 | $32.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.59 | $37.17 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.34 | $40.68 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.18 | $46.36 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.