How far is Ames, IA from Akron, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Akron, IA is about 207.8 miles (334.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 159.6 miles (256.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 30m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 15m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Akron.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Akron.
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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
29 mi · 31 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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4
Merge slight left
146.2 mi · 2 hr 55 min
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5
Turn left onto South Virginia Street
104 m · 16 sec · South Virginia Street
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6
Take the ramp slight right toward I 29 North
1548 ft · 40 sec
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7
Merge slight left
3 mi · 3 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IA 12 North: Riverside Boulevard
1588 ft · 39 sec
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9
Turn right onto Riverside Boulevard
2 mi · 4 min · Riverside Boulevard
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10
Continue on Sioux River Road
2.8 mi · 4 min · Sioux River Road
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11
Continue on State Highway 12
15.5 mi · 21 min · State Highway 12
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12
Continue on Portland Street
933 ft · 18 sec · Portland Street
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13
Continue on State Highway 12
1418 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 12
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14
Continue on State Highway 3
4.7 mi · 7 min · State Highway 3
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15
Continue on State Highway 12
2285 ft · 59 sec · State Highway 12
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16
Turn right onto Reed Street
84 m · 18 sec · Reed Street
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17
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
16 m · 2 sec · North 2nd Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Akron.
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 West
Merge slight left
146 mi · 02h 55m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Akron.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Akron?
The road trip is about 207.8 miles (334.4 km) and usually takes 04h 15m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Sac City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 103.7 miles from Ames and 104.1 miles from Akron.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 159.6 miles (256.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.2 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:30 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.64 one way or $55.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 65.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Akron.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Akron. Straight-line distance: 159.62 mi (256.89 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 Akron
City in Plymouth County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,454 |
| Coordinates | 42.8288800, -96.5594800 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| Country | United States |
End: Akron (-96.55948, 42.82888)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 334 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.64 | $55.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.17 | $62.35 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $34.11 | $68.23 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.88 | $77.76 |
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.