How far is Ames, IA from Atlantic, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Atlantic, IA is about 115.5 miles (185.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 84.1 miles (135.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 28m 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 14m.
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 Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Atlantic.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Atlantic.
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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
14.3 mi · 16 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
62.3 mi · 1 hr 7 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 6, US 71: Atlantic, Audubon
1922 ft · 49 sec
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7
Turn left onto 650th Street
6.5 mi · 9 min · 650th Street
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8
Turn right onto East 7th Street
3.5 mi · 6 min · East 7th Street
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9
Turn left onto Chestnut Street
81 m · 7 sec · Chestnut Street
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10
Turn right
69 m · 17 sec
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Atlantic.
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 80 West
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
62.3 mi · 01h 07m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Ames and Chance Rain Showers near Atlantic.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Atlantic?
The road trip is about 115.5 miles (185.9 km) and usually takes 02h 14m 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?
De Soto is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57.7 miles from Ames and 57.8 miles from Atlantic.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 84.1 miles (135.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.4 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 2:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.39 one way or $30.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Ames and Chance Rain Showers near Atlantic.
Stop Ideas Near De Soto
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 De Soto.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Atlantic. Straight-line distance: 84.08 mi (135.31 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 Atlantic
City in Iowa
| Population | 6,513 |
| Coordinates | 41.4036000, -95.0138800 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| Country | United States |
End: Atlantic (-95.01388, 41.4036)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 186 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.39 | $30.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.35 | $34.70 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.99 | $37.98 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.64 | $43.28 |
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.