How far is Ames, IA from Ackley, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Ackley, IA is about 66.9 miles (107.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 46.1 miles (74.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 48m 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 24m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Ackley.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Ackley.
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1
Start on 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
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2
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
28.6 mi · 31 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2998 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left
27.2 mi · 31 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward CR S56: Ackley, Eldora
2219 ft · 60 sec
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6
Turn left onto County Highway S56
6.3 mi · 11 min · County Highway S56
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7
Continue on Butler Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Butler Street
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8
Turn left onto Park Avenue
1733 ft · 1 min · Park Avenue
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9
Turn slight right onto Main Street
35 m · 5 sec · Main Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Ackley.
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
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
28.6 mi · 00h 31m
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 Ames and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ackley.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Ackley?
The road trip is about 66.9 miles (107.6 km) and usually takes 01h 24m 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?
Williams is a useful midpoint, sitting about 33.4 miles from Ames and 33.4 miles from Ackley.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 46.1 miles (74.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.8 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 3:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.90 one way or $17.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ackley.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Ackley. Straight-line distance: 46.12 mi (74.22 km).
#1 Ames
The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,033 |
| Coordinates | 42.0347100, -93.6199400 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ackley
City in Iowa, America
| Population | 1,485 |
| Coordinates | 42.5541500, -93.0532600 |
| Altitude | 333 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ackley (-93.05326, 42.55415)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 108 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.90 | $17.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.04 | $20.07 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.98 | $21.97 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.52 | $25.03 |
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.