How far is Ames, IA from Bedford, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Bedford, IA is about 152.7 miles (245.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 110.4 miles (177.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 18m 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 09m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Warren County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Bedford.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Bedford.
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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 left
60 mi · 1 hr 5 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 2: Leon, Mount Ayr
2038 ft · 51 sec
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7
Turn right onto State Highway 2
20.4 mi · 29 min · State Highway 2
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8
Continue on South Street
13 mi · 19 min · South Street
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9
Continue on State Highway 2
2.5 mi · 4 min · State Highway 2
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10
Continue on State Highway 2
12.6 mi · 19 min · State Highway 2
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11
Turn left onto County Road N44
2136 ft · 43 sec · County Road N44
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12
Continue on Pearl Street
3007 ft · 1 min · Pearl Street
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13
Turn left onto Madison Street
696 ft · 12 sec · Madison Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Madison Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Bedford.
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 35 South
Keep slight left
60 mi · 01h 05m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms near Bedford.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Bedford?
The road trip is about 152.7 miles (245.7 km) and usually takes 03h 09m 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?
New Virginia is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.3 miles from Ames and 76.4 miles from Bedford.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 110.4 miles (177.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.3 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 10:42 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.33 one way or $40.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms near Bedford.
Stop Ideas Near New Virginia
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 New Virginia.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Bedford. Straight-line distance: 110.42 mi (177.71 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 Bedford
Town in Taylor County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,380 |
| Coordinates | 40.6669300, -94.7213600 |
| Altitude | 344 |
| Country | United States |
End: Bedford (-94.72136, 40.66693)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 246 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.33 | $40.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.92 | $45.85 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.09 | $50.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.59 | $57.18 |
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 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.