How far is Ames, IA from Baxter, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Baxter, IA is about 40 miles (64.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28.1 miles (45.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 59m 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 00h 59m.
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 Story County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Baxter.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Baxter.
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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
1.6 mi · 2 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 East: Nevada
1254 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
13.3 mi · 16 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 65: Des Moines, Iowa Falls
1677 ft · 47 sec
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7
Turn right onto 700th Avenue
13.5 mi · 20 min · 700th Avenue
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8
Turn left onto County Highway F17
2.9 mi · 5 min · County Highway F17
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9
Continue on Highway F17 West
4.8 mi · 8 min · Highway F17 West
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10
Continue on West Buchanan Street
796 ft · 21 sec · West Buchanan Street
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11
Turn left onto South Main Street
2218 ft · 2 min · South Main Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Baxter.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
700th Avenue
Turn right onto 700th Avenue
13.5 mi · 00h 20m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Baxter.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Baxter?
The road trip is about 40 miles (64.3 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
Colo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.9 miles from Ames and 20 miles from Baxter.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28.1 miles (45.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.9 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 4:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.32 one way or $10.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Baxter.
Stop Ideas Near Colo
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 Colo.
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Baxter. Straight-line distance: 28.06 mi (45.16 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 Baxter
Human settlement in Jasper County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,132 |
| Coordinates | 41.8261000, -93.1515900 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: Baxter (-93.15159, 41.8261)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 64 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.32 | $10.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.00 | $11.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.56 | $13.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.48 | $14.96 |
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.