How far is Ames, IA from Clive, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Clive, IA is about 40.7 miles (65.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 30.3 miles (48.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 42m 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 00h 51m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Clive.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Clive.
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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 left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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5
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
10.2 mi · 13 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward 73rd Street, 8th Street, Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
1301 ft · 39 sec
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7
Turn left onto 73rd Street
2230 ft · 54 sec · 73rd Street
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8
Turn left onto University Avenue
1767 ft · 38 sec · University Avenue
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9
Turn right onto Northwest 78th Street
860 ft · 38 sec · Northwest 78th Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Northwest 78th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Clive.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Ames and Partly Sunny near Clive.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Clive?
The road trip is about 40.7 miles (65.5 km) and usually takes 00h 51m 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?
Elkhart is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.3 miles from Ames and 20.3 miles from Clive.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 30.3 miles (48.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.4 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 4:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.39 one way or $10.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ames and Partly Sunny near Clive.
Stop Ideas Near Elkhart
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 Elkhart.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Clive. Straight-line distance: 30.3 mi (48.77 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 Clive
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 17,444 |
| Coordinates | 41.6030400, -93.7241100 |
| Altitude | 254 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clive (-93.72411, 41.60304)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 65 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.39 | $10.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.08 | $12.16 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.66 | $13.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.58 | $15.17 |
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 · May 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.