How far is Ames, IA from Buffalo (historical), IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Buffalo (historical), IA is about 72.3 miles (116.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 02m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
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 01h 31m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Buffalo (historical).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Buffalo (historical).
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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
12.8 mi · 14 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 169, US 6: Adel, Winterset
1742 ft · 51 sec
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7
Turn left onto North Avenue
147 m · 9 sec · North Avenue
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8
Continue on Guthrie Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Guthrie Street
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9
Continue on North Avenue
13.7 mi · 21 min · North Avenue
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10
Continue on Clark Tower Road
1.5 mi · 2 min · Clark Tower Road
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11
Turn left onto St Charles Road
105 m · 10 sec · St Charles Road
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12
Turn right onto Maple Lane
59 m · 9 sec · Maple Lane
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Maple Lane
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Buffalo (historical).
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
Merge slight left
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Buffalo (historical).
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Buffalo (historical)?
The road trip is about 72.3 miles (116.4 km) and usually takes 01h 31m 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?
Johnston is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36.2 miles from Ames and 36.2 miles from Buffalo (historical).
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.6 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:28 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.82 one way or $19.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Buffalo (historical).
Stop Ideas Near Johnston
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 Johnston.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Buffalo (historical). Straight-line distance: 53.77 mi (86.54 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 Buffalo (historical)
Buffalo (historical) is a place in Iowa, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.3111000, -94.0035600 |
| Altitude | 283 |
| Country | United States |
End: Buffalo (historical) (-94.00356, 41.3111)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 116 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.85 | $9.82 | $19.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.18 | $10.66 | $21.31 |
| Premium | $4.74 | $12.09 | $24.17 |
| Diesel | $5.90 | $15.04 | $30.08 |
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 · Nov 10, 2026