How far is Ames, IA from Arnolds Park, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Arnolds Park, IA is about 177.4 miles (285.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 119.9 miles (193 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 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 03h 45m.
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.
Human settlement in Calhoun County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Arnolds Park.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Arnolds Park.
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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
81.3 mi · 1 hr 34 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake
1974 ft · 57 sec
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6
Turn right
45.2 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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7
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2694 ft · 1 min · 11th Street Southwest
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8
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 54 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
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9
At the end of the road, turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 41 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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10
Turn left onto South Grand Avenue
1961 ft · 1 min · South Grand Avenue
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11
Turn left onto West 2nd Street
119 m · 10 sec · West 2nd Street
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12
Turn right onto 1st Avenue West
2264 ft · 47 sec · 1st Avenue West
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13
At the end of the road, turn right onto West 8th Street
117 m · 15 sec · West 8th Street
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14
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
1 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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15
Continue on Highway Boulevard
15.4 mi · 23 min · Highway Boulevard
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16
Turn right onto Linden Drive
535 ft · 22 sec · Linden Drive
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17
Turn left onto Iowa Street
792 ft · 37 sec · Iowa Street
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18
Turn right onto Kruse Beach
38 m · 6 sec · Kruse Beach
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Kruse Beach
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Arnolds Park.
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
81.3 mi · 01h 34m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ames and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Arnolds Park.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Arnolds Park?
The road trip is about 177.4 miles (285.5 km) and usually takes 03h 45m 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?
Jolley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.6 miles from Ames and 88.8 miles from Arnolds Park.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 119.9 miles (193 km), while the road route adds roughly 57.5 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:30 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.61 one way or $47.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Arnolds Park.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Arnolds Park. Straight-line distance: 119.91 mi (192.97 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 Arnolds Park
City in Dickinson County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,354 |
| Coordinates | 43.3727400, -95.1238800 |
| Altitude | 434 |
| Country | United States |
End: Arnolds Park (-95.12388, 43.37274)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 285 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.61 | $47.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.62 | $53.25 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.13 | $58.27 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.20 | $66.41 |
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.