How far is Akron, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Akron, IA to Ames, IA is about 205.1 miles (330 km), with a travel time of about 03h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 159.6 miles (256.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 51m 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 25m.
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.
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 Akron and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Akron and Ames.
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1
Start on North 2nd Street
16 m · 4 sec · North 2nd Street
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2
Turn right onto Reed Street
84 m · 14 sec · Reed Street
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3
Turn left onto State Highway 12
2285 ft · 59 sec · State Highway 12
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4
Continue on State Highway 3
4.7 mi · 7 min · State Highway 3
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5
Continue on State Highway 12
1418 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 12
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6
Continue on Portland Street
933 ft · 18 sec · Portland Street
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7
Continue on State Highway 12
15.5 mi · 21 min · State Highway 12
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8
Continue on Sioux River Road
2.8 mi · 4 min · Sioux River Road
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9
Turn right onto Riverside Boulevard
2.1 mi · 5 min · Riverside Boulevard
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10
Take the ramp left toward I 29 South
1669 ft · 41 sec
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11
Merge slight left
2.9 mi · 3 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2118 ft · 50 sec
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13
Turn left onto South Virginia Street
671 ft · 21 sec · South Virginia Street
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14
Turn right onto Gordon Drive
4.6 mi · 9 min · Gordon Drive
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15
Continue on Highway 20
39.4 mi · 47 min · Highway 20
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16
Continue on United States Highway 20
8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
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17
Continue on 220th Street
93.4 mi · 1 hr 48 min · 220th Street
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18
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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19
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 30 min
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20
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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21
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Akron and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
220th Street
Continue on 220th Street
93.4 mi · 01h 48m
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 Akron and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Akron to Ames?
The road trip is about 205.1 miles (330 km) and usually takes 03h 25m 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?
Sac City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 103.4 miles from Akron and 101.6 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 159.6 miles (256.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.5 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:08 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.30 one way or $54.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 64.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Akron and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Akron and Ames. Straight-line distance: 159.62 mi (256.89 km).
#1 Akron
City in Plymouth County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,454 |
| Coordinates | 42.8288800, -96.5594800 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| 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: 330 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.30 | $54.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.79 | $61.58 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.69 | $67.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.40 | $76.80 |
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.