How far is Alta, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Alta, IA to Ames, IA is about 128 miles (206 km), with a travel time of about 02h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 96.1 miles (154.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 19m 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 09m.
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.
Human settlement in Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alta and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alta and Ames.
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1
Start on 60th Avenue
613 ft · 28 sec · 60th Avenue
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2
Turn left onto Highway 7
3.3 mi · 5 min · Highway 7
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3
Turn right onto 90th Avenue
1549 ft · 29 sec · 90th Avenue
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4
Continue on State Highway 110
3 mi · 4 min · State Highway 110
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5
Turn straight onto 85th Avenue
951 ft · 22 sec · 85th Avenue
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6
Turn left onto 630th Street
2647 ft · 43 sec · 630th Street
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7
Turn right onto 90th Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · 90th Avenue
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8
Continue on Gard Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Gard Avenue
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
85.3 mi · 1 hr 39 min · 220th Street
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 30 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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13
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alta and Ames.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
220th Street
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
85.3 mi · 01h 39m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Alta and Showers And Thunderstorms near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alta to Ames?
The road trip is about 128 miles (206 km) and usually takes 02h 09m 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?
Moorland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66.5 miles from Alta and 61.5 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 96.1 miles (154.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.9 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 2:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.04 one way or $34.09 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Alta and Showers And Thunderstorms near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alta and Ames. Straight-line distance: 96.05 mi (154.57 km).
#1 Alta
City in Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,916 |
| Coordinates | 42.6735900, -95.2905500 |
| Altitude | 454 |
| 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: 206 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.04 | $34.09 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.22 | $38.45 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.04 | $42.07 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.97 | $47.95 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.