How far is Ames, IA from De Witt, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to De Witt, IA is about 164.8 miles (265.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 159.1 miles (256 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 48m 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 24m.
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.
Human settlement in Benton 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 De Witt.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and De Witt.
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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
1.6 mi · 2 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 East: Nevada
1254 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
157.9 mi · 3 hr 11 min
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6
Continue on 11th Street
2246 ft · 35 sec · 11th Street
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7
Continue on 11th Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · 11th Street
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8
Turn right onto 7th Avenue
1067 ft · 42 sec · 7th Avenue
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9
Turn left onto 8th Street
628 ft · 21 sec · 8th Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and De Witt.
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
158 mi · 03h 11m
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near De Witt.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to De Witt?
The road trip is about 164.8 miles (265.2 km) and usually takes 03h 24m 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?
Van Horne is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.2 miles from Ames and 82.6 miles from De Witt.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 159.1 miles (256 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.7 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 10:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.91 one way or $43.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near De Witt.
Stop Ideas Near Van Horne
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 Van Horne.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and De Witt. Straight-line distance: 159.08 mi (256.01 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 De Witt
Township of Iowa
| Population | 5,242 |
| Coordinates | 41.8233600, -90.5381900 |
| Altitude | 216 |
| Country | United States |
End: De Witt (-90.53819, 41.82336)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 265 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.91 | $43.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.71 | $49.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.04 | $54.08 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.82 | $61.63 |
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.