How far is Ames, IA from Denison, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Denison, IA is about 95.1 miles (153.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 89 miles (143.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 25m 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 12m.
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.
Township in Greene County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Denison.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Denison.
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1
Start on 13th Street
36 m · 11 sec · 13th Street
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2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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3
Continue on South Grand Avenue
1342 ft · 37 sec · South Grand Avenue
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4
Turn right onto South 4th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South 4th Street
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5
Turn left onto University Boulevard
1.1 mi · 2 min · University Boulevard
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6
Take the ramp right toward US 30 west: Boone
1728 ft · 42 sec
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7
Merge slight left
62.2 mi · 1 hr 21 min
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8
Continue on US 30
29.4 mi · 44 min · US 30
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9
Turn right onto South Main Street
1961 ft · 60 sec · South Main Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Denison.
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 west
Merge slight left
62.2 mi · 01h 21m
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 Sunny near Denison.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Denison?
The road trip is about 95.1 miles (153.1 km) and usually takes 02h 12m 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?
Scranton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.4 miles from Ames and 47.7 miles from Denison.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 89 miles (143.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.1 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 2:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.63 one way or $25.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 29.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ames and Sunny near Denison.
Stop Ideas Near Scranton
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 Scranton.
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Denison. Straight-line distance: 89.07 mi (143.35 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 Denison
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 8,249 |
| Coordinates | 42.0177700, -95.3552800 |
| Altitude | 391 |
| Country | United States |
End: Denison (-95.35528, 42.01777)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 153 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.63 | $25.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.25 | $28.50 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.59 | $31.18 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.77 | $35.54 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.