How far is West Liberty, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from West Liberty, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 135.4 miles (217.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 121.4 miles (195.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 22m 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 02h 11m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Liberty and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Liberty and Ankeny.
-
1
Start on West 3rd Street
820 ft · 22 sec · West 3rd Street
-
2
Turn left onto North Columbus Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North Columbus Street
-
3
Turn right onto Garfield Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Garfield Avenue
-
4
Take the ramp left
1415 ft · 35 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
120.3 mi · 2 hr 10 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
-
7
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
-
8
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
4.7 mi · 5 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1602 ft · 39 sec
-
11
Keep slight left to continue on High Trestle Trail
78 m · 8 sec
-
12
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · East 1st Street
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13
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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14
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Liberty and Ankeny.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Garfield Avenue
Merge slight left
120 mi · 02h 10m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving West Liberty and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Liberty to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 135.4 miles (217.9 km) and usually takes 02h 11m 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?
Brooklyn is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.6 miles from West Liberty and 67.8 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 121.4 miles (195.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 14 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 2:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.03 one way or $36.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around West Liberty and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ankeny.
Stop Ideas Near Brooklyn
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 Brooklyn.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Liberty and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 121.41 mi (195.39 km).
#1 West Liberty
City in Morgan County, Kentucky
| Population | 3,734 |
| Coordinates | 41.5700200, -91.2637700 |
| Altitude | 206 |
| 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: 218 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.03 | $36.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.33 | $40.66 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.25 | $44.49 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.35 | $50.71 |
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.