How far is Ames, IA from Alta, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Alta, IA is about 134 miles (215.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 96.1 miles (154.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 20m 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 40m.
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Alta.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Alta.
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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
85.7 mi · 1 hr 39 min
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5
Turn right onto Gard Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Gard Avenue
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6
Continue on 90th Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · 90th Avenue
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7
At the end of the road, turn left onto 630th Street
2647 ft · 43 sec · 630th Street
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8
Turn right onto 85th Avenue
951 ft · 17 sec · 85th Avenue
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9
Continue on State Highway 110
2.7 mi · 4 min · State Highway 110
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10
Continue on State Highway 110
1595 ft · 30 sec · State Highway 110
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11
Continue on 90th Avenue
1549 ft · 34 sec · 90th Avenue
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12
Turn left onto Highway 7
3.3 mi · 5 min · Highway 7
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13
Turn right onto 60th Avenue
613 ft · 27 sec · 60th Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 60th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Alta.
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
85.7 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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Ames and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Alta.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Alta?
The road trip is about 134 miles (215.6 km) and usually takes 02h 40m 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 66.9 miles from Ames and 67.1 miles from Alta.
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 37.9 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 1:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.84 one way or $35.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Ames and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Alta.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Alta. Straight-line distance: 96.05 mi (154.57 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 Alta
City in Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,916 |
| Coordinates | 42.6735900, -95.2905500 |
| Altitude | 454 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alta (-95.29055, 42.67359)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 216 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.84 | $35.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.12 | $40.23 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.01 | $44.03 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.09 | $50.18 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.