How far is Adel, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Adel, IA to Ames, IA is about 51.2 miles (82.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.5 miles (57.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 00m 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 00m.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Adel and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Adel and Ames.
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1
Start on Nile Kinnick Drive South
5 m · 8 sec · Nile Kinnick Drive South
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2
Turn left onto Greene Street
1 km · 1 min · Greene Street
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3
Continue on 290th Street
2.1 mi · 3 min · 290th Street
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4
Continue on Grand Army of the Republic Highway
2558 ft · 34 sec · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
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5
Continue on Hickman Road
9.3 mi · 14 min · Hickman Road
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6
Turn left onto I-35 north, I-80 east
1557 ft · 38 sec
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7
Merge slight left
10.4 mi · 12 min
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8
Continue straight
1.2 km · 51 sec
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9
Continue straight
3105 ft · 41 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
27 mi · 30 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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12
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Adel and Ames.
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
27 mi · 00h 30m
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 Sunny leaving Adel and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Adel to Ames?
The road trip is about 51.2 miles (82.4 km) and usually takes 01h 00m 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?
Saylorville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.2 miles from Adel and 23.9 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.5 miles (57.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.7 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 4:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.83 one way or $13.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around Adel and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Saylorville
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 Saylorville.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Adel and Ames. Straight-line distance: 35.52 mi (57.17 km).
#1 Adel
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,607 |
| Coordinates | 41.6144300, -94.0174500 |
| Altitude | 272 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ames
The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,033 |
| Coordinates | 42.0347100, -93.6199400 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
End: 13th Street (-93.619967, 42.034517)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 82 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.83 | $13.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.70 | $15.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.42 | $16.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.60 | $19.20 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.