How far is Ames, IA from Center Point, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Center Point, IA is about 120.5 miles (194 km), with a travel time of about 02h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 94.6 miles (152.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 51m 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 02h 25m.
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 Tokyo, Japan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Center Point.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Center Point.
-
1
Start on 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
-
2
Take the ramp right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1641 ft · 40 sec
-
3
Merge slight left
1.6 mi · 2 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 East: Nevada
1254 ft · 43 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
92.6 mi · 1 hr 47 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
1.6 km · 2 min
-
7
Continue straight
8.3 mi · 10 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I-380, IA 27: Iowa City, Waterloo
1323 ft · 32 sec
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on I-380 north, IA 27 north: Waterloo
159 m · 24 sec
-
10
Turn left onto I-380 north, IA 27 north, IA 100 west: Waterloo
2386 ft · 47 sec
-
11
Keep slight left
87 m · 7 sec
-
12
Continue on I-380 south, IA 27 south: Waterloo
1093 ft · 27 sec
-
13
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
10.9 mi · 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward CR W36: Center Point
1870 ft · 47 sec
-
15
Turn right onto Lewis Access Road
1.3 km · 2 min · Lewis Access Road
-
16
Continue on Franklin Street
1.2 km · 2 min · Franklin Street
-
17
Turn left onto State Street
864 ft · 24 sec · State Street
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Center Point.
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 East
Merge slight left
92.6 mi · 01h 47m
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 Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Center Point.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Center Point?
The road trip is about 120.5 miles (194 km) and usually takes 02h 25m 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?
Tama is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60.1 miles from Ames and 60.4 miles from Center Point.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 94.6 miles (152.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.9 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 1:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.06 one way or $32.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Center Point.
Stop Ideas Near Tama
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 Tama.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Center Point. Straight-line distance: 94.65 mi (152.33 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 Center Point
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,560 |
| Coordinates | 42.1908300, -91.7851800 |
| Altitude | 250 |
| Country | United States |
End: Center Point (-91.78518, 42.19083)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 194 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.06 | $32.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.12 | $36.24 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.83 | $39.65 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.60 | $45.19 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.