How far is Ames, IA from Algona, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Algona, IA is about 107.6 miles (173.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78 miles (125.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 35m 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 17m.
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Algona.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Algona.
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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
31.2 mi · 36 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 169
2133 ft · 1 min
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6
Turn right
43.5 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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7
Turn left onto East McGregor Street
1636 ft · 35 sec · East McGregor Street
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8
Turn right onto South Jones Street
1121 ft · 30 sec · South Jones Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jones Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Algona.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Longest stretch
Turn right
43.5 mi · 01h 02m
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 Chance Rain Showers near Algona.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Algona?
The road trip is about 107.6 miles (173.1 km) and usually takes 02h 17m 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 53.7 miles from Ames and 53.8 miles from Algona.
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 29.6 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 1:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.33 one way or $28.66 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Chance Rain Showers near Algona.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Algona. Straight-line distance: 78.04 mi (125.59 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 Algona
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,359 |
| Coordinates | 43.0699700, -94.2330200 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| Country | United States |
End: Algona (-94.23302, 43.06997)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 173 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 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 | $14.33 | $28.66 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.16 | $32.32 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.69 | $35.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.16 | $40.31 |
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.