How far is Ames, IA from Adel, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Adel, IA is about 54 miles (86.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.5 miles (57.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 15m 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 07m.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Adel.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Adel.
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1
Start on 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
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2
Take the ramp right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1641 ft · 40 sec
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3
Merge slight left
25.7 mi · 28 min
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4
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
12.8 mi · 15 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Hickman Road, Adel
1898 ft · 49 sec
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6
Turn right onto Hickman Road
9.4 mi · 14 min · Hickman Road
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7
Continue on 290th Street
2.4 mi · 3 min · 290th Street
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8
Continue on Greene Street
1 km · 1 min · Greene Street
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9
Turn right onto Nile Kinnick Drive South
5 m · 1 sec · Nile Kinnick Drive South
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Nile Kinnick Drive South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Adel.
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 South
Merge slight left
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Adel.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Adel?
The road trip is about 54 miles (86.9 km) and usually takes 01h 07m 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?
Saylorville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27 miles from Ames and 27 miles from Adel.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.5 miles (57.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.5 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 4:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.16 one way or $14.33 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Adel.
Stop Ideas Near Saylorville
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 Saylorville.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Adel. Straight-line distance: 35.52 mi (57.17 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 Adel
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,607 |
| Coordinates | 41.6144300, -94.0174500 |
| Altitude | 272 |
| Country | United States |
End: Adel (-94.01745, 41.61443)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.16 | $14.33 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.08 | $16.16 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.84 | $17.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.08 | $20.16 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.