How far is Ames, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 34.4 miles (55.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 30 miles (48.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 09m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 34m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States
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 Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Des Moines.
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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
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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8
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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9
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Des Moines.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
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 short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 34.4 miles (55.3 km) and usually takes 00h 34m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Alleman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.1 miles from Ames and 17.2 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 30 miles (48.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.4 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.56 one way or $9.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Alleman
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 Alleman.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 30.01 mi (48.29 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 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
End: East University Avenue (-93.609114, 41.600425)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 55 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.56 | $9.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.15 | $10.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.63 | $11.26 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.42 | $12.84 |
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.