How far is Albia, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Albia, IA to Ames, IA is about 97.9 miles (157.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 81.4 miles (131 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 21m 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 40m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly 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 Albia and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Albia and Ames.
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1
Start on the route
10 m · 4 sec
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2
Turn right onto South 2nd Street
52 m · 13 sec · South 2nd Street
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3
Turn left onto Benton Avenue East
109 m · 9 sec · Benton Avenue East
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4
Turn right onto North Main Street
1785 ft · 30 sec · North Main Street
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5
Keep slight left
25 mi · 37 min
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6
Take the ramp left
10.9 mi · 12 min
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7
Turn right
575 ft · 7 sec
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8
Continue on State Highway 5
18.2 mi · 21 min · State Highway 5
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9
Take the exit slight right
2879 ft · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
10.3 mi · 12 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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11
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
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12
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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14
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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15
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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16
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 28 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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18
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Albia 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
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Albia and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Albia to Ames?
The road trip is about 97.9 miles (157.5 km) and usually takes 01h 40m 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?
Hartford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.8 miles from Albia and 49 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 81.4 miles (131 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.01 one way or $26.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Albia and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Hartford
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 Hartford.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Albia and Ames. Straight-line distance: 81.39 mi (130.98 km).
#1 Albia
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,713 |
| Coordinates | 41.0266700, -92.8057500 |
| Altitude | 295 |
| 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: 157 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.01 | $26.02 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.67 | $29.35 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.06 | $32.11 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.30 | $36.60 |
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.