How far is Ames, IA from Centerville, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Centerville, IA is about 120.2 miles (193.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 97.8 miles (157.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 16m 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 38m.
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 Marion County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Centerville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Centerville.
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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
955 ft · 13 sec
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5
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 East: Davenport
1.3 km · 2 min
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6
Merge slight right
2.6 mi · 3 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
10.7 mi · 12 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
3203 ft · 1 min
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10
Continue straight
18.5 mi · 21 min
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11
Turn left
10.6 mi · 12 min
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12
Take the exit slight right
2592 ft · 1 min
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13
Turn right
25.6 mi · 38 min
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14
Turn straight onto South Clinton Street
20.6 mi · 31 min · South Clinton Street
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15
Turn right onto East Washington Street
1483 ft · 1 min · East Washington Street
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16
Turn left onto North 13th Street
110 m · 16 sec · North 13th Street
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17
Continue on North 13th Street
92 m · 14 sec · North 13th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Centerville.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
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.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Centerville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Centerville?
The road trip is about 120.2 miles (193.4 km) and usually takes 02h 38m 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?
Pleasantville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60.1 miles from Ames and 60.1 miles from Centerville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 97.8 miles (157.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.4 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 1:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.99 one way or $31.98 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Centerville.
Stop Ideas Near Pleasantville
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 Pleasantville.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Centerville. Straight-line distance: 97.82 mi (157.43 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 Centerville
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,414 |
| Coordinates | 40.7341800, -92.8740900 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| Country | United States |
End: Centerville (-92.87409, 40.73418)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 193 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 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 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.99 | $31.98 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.03 | $36.07 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.73 | $39.47 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.49 | $44.98 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.