How far is Ames, IA from Dubuque, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Dubuque, IA is about 182 miles (292.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 154.5 miles (248.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 49m 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 54m.
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.
City in 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 Dubuque.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Dubuque.
-
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
92.6 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
1.6 km · 2 min
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7
Continue straight
9.4 mi · 11 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on Collins Road Northeast
5.9 mi · 8 min · Collins Road Northeast
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9
Turn left
1.1 mi · 2 min
-
10
Turn right onto Marion Airport Road
24.1 mi · 28 min · Marion Airport Road
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11
Continue on 200th Avenue
32.4 mi · 37 min · 200th Avenue
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12
Keep slight left
5.1 mi · 7 min
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13
Keep slight left
1.1 mi · 1 min
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
1432 ft · 32 sec
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15
Continue on White Street
638 ft · 27 sec · White Street
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16
Turn left onto East 7th Street
87 m · 20 sec · East 7th Street
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17
Turn left onto Central Avenue
10 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Dubuque.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
US 30 East
Merge slight left
92.6 mi · 01h 47m
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Dubuque.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Dubuque?
The road trip is about 182 miles (292.9 km) and usually takes 02h 54m 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?
Newhall is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.7 miles from Ames and 93.2 miles from Dubuque.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 154.5 miles (248.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.5 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 12:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.21 one way or $48.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Dubuque.
Stop Ideas Near Newhall
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 Newhall.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Dubuque. Straight-line distance: 154.49 mi (248.63 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 Dubuque
The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.
| Population | 57,781 |
| Coordinates | 42.5005600, -90.6645700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central Avenue (-90.664595, 42.500561)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 293 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.21 | $48.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.30 | $54.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.88 | $59.76 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.05 | $68.10 |
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.