How far is Ames, IA from Cedar Falls, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is about 95.6 miles (153.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 69 miles (111.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 04m 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 Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Cedar Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Cedar Falls.
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1
Start on 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
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2
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
28.6 mi · 31 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2998 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left
53.9 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
2133 ft · 1 min
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6
Turn left onto Grundy Road
1.6 km · 1 min · Grundy Road
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7
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi · 5 min · University Avenue
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward University Avenue
27 m · 2 sec · University Avenue
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9
Exit the roundabout onto University Avenue
1.7 mi · 4 min · University Avenue
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10
Turn left onto Main Street
1027 ft · 21 sec · Main Street
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
24 m · 2 sec · Main Street
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12
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Main Street
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13
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
23 m · 2 sec · Main Street
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14
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
6 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Cedar Falls.
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 20 East
Merge slight left
53.9 mi · 01h 02m
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Cedar Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Cedar Falls?
The road trip is about 95.6 miles (153.9 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 46.7 miles from Ames and 49 miles from Cedar Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 69 miles (111.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.6 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.75 one way or $25.49 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Cedar Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Cedar Falls. Straight-line distance: 69.03 mi (111.09 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 Cedar Falls
The largest city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
| Population | 40,231 |
| Coordinates | 42.5277600, -92.4454700 |
| Altitude | 268 |
| Country | United States |
End: Main Street (-92.44555, 42.52776)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 154 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.75 | $25.49 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.38 | $28.75 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.73 | $31.46 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.93 | $35.86 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.