How far is Algona, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Algona, IA to Ames, IA is about 107.1 miles (172.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78 miles (125.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 41m 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 50m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, in the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Algona and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Algona and Ames.
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1
Start on North Jones Street
1121 ft · 35 sec · North Jones Street
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2
Turn left onto East McGregor Street
1636 ft · 37 sec · East McGregor Street
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3
Turn right onto South Phillips Street
2617 ft · 1 min · South Phillips Street
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4
Continue on US Highway 169
4 mi · 6 min · US Highway 169
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5
Continue on South Phillips Street
5.9 mi · 8 min · South Phillips Street
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6
Continue on 120th Avenue
2588 ft · 55 sec · 120th Avenue
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7
Continue on Lincoln Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · Lincoln Avenue
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8
Continue on 13th Street North
1.3 mi · 2 min · 13th Street North
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9
Continue on Lincoln Avenue
115 m · 8 sec · Lincoln Avenue
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10
Continue on 13th Street South
1.3 mi · 2 min · 13th Street South
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11
Continue on Lincoln Avenue
18.5 mi · 26 min · Lincoln Avenue
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12
Turn left onto US 20 East
2190 ft · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left
30.7 mi · 35 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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15
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 30 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 51 sec
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17
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Algona 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.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
30.7 mi · 00h 35m
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.
Sunny leaving Algona and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Algona to Ames?
The road trip is about 107.1 miles (172.3 km) and usually takes 01h 50m 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?
Duncombe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 53.5 miles from Algona and 53.6 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78 miles (125.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.1 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 2:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.25 one way or $28.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Algona and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Algona and Ames. Straight-line distance: 78.04 mi (125.59 km).
#1 Algona
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,359 |
| Coordinates | 43.0699700, -94.2330200 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| 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: 172 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.25 | $28.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.08 | $32.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.59 | $35.18 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.05 | $40.10 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.