How far is Ames, IA from Carroll, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Carroll, IA is about 67.7 miles (108.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 64 miles (103 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 05m 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 01h 32m.
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 Greene County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Carroll.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Carroll.
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1
Start on 13th Street
36 m · 11 sec · 13th Street
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2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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3
Continue on South Grand Avenue
1342 ft · 37 sec · South Grand Avenue
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4
Turn right onto South 4th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South 4th Street
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5
Turn left onto University Boulevard
1.1 mi · 2 min · University Boulevard
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6
Take the ramp right toward US 30 west: Boone
1728 ft · 42 sec
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7
Merge slight left
62.2 mi · 1 hr 21 min
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8
Continue on US 30
2.3 mi · 4 min · US 30
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9
Turn right
23 m · 11 sec
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10
Turn left
39 m · 10 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 Carroll.
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 30 west
Merge slight left
62.2 mi · 01h 21m
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 Likely leaving Ames and Rain Showers Likely near Carroll.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Carroll?
The road trip is about 67.7 miles (108.9 km) and usually takes 01h 32m 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?
Grand Junction is a useful midpoint, sitting about 33.7 miles from Ames and 33.9 miles from Carroll.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 64 miles (103 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.7 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 3:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.01 one way or $18.03 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Rain Showers Likely near Carroll.
Stop Ideas Near Grand Junction
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 Grand Junction.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Carroll. Straight-line distance: 64.01 mi (103.02 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 Carroll
City in Carroll County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 9,694 |
| Coordinates | 42.0658200, -94.8669300 |
| Altitude | 387 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carroll (-94.86693, 42.06582)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 109 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.01 | $18.03 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.16 | $20.33 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.12 | $22.25 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.68 | $25.35 |
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.