How far is Ames, IA from Cherokee, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Cherokee, IA is about 151.9 miles (244.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 110.2 miles (177.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 04m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Cherokee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Cherokee.
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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
29 mi · 31 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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4
Merge slight left
92.8 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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5
Turn right onto Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
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6
Continue on 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
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7
Turn left onto Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
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8
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
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9
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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10
Continue on V Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
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11
Turn left onto State Highway 3
1153 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 3
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12
Turn straight onto 530th Street
3.5 mi · 5 min · 530th Street
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13
Keep slight left to continue on State Highway 977
1852 ft · 37 sec · State Highway 977
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14
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
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15
Turn left onto South 2nd Street
48 m · 7 sec · South 2nd Street
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16
Turn right
32 m · 8 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Cherokee.
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 West
Merge slight left
92.8 mi · 01h 47m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms near Cherokee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Cherokee?
The road trip is about 151.9 miles (244.4 km) and usually takes 03h 04m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.8 miles from Ames and 76.1 miles from Cherokee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 110.2 miles (177.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 41.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:52 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.21 one way or $40.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms near Cherokee.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Cherokee. Straight-line distance: 110.25 mi (177.43 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 Cherokee
Native American people indigenous to the Southeastern United States
| Population | 4,841 |
| Coordinates | 42.7494300, -95.5516700 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cherokee (-95.55167, 42.74943)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 244 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.21 | $40.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.80 | $45.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.95 | $49.89 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.43 | $56.86 |
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 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.