How far is Ames, IA from Eldora, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Eldora, IA is about 49.9 miles (80.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 34.9 miles (56.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 18m 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 01h 09m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Eldora.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Eldora.
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1
Start on 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
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2
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
19.1 mi · 21 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward IA 175: Jewell, Eldora
1640 ft · 41 sec
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4
Turn right onto 330th Street
5.4 mi · 8 min · 330th Street
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5
Continue on State Highway 175
7.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 175
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6
Turn sharp left
3.6 mi · 5 min
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7
Turn straight
2.6 mi · 4 min
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8
Turn straight onto State Highway 175
6.9 mi · 10 min · State Highway 175
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9
Continue on Edgington Avenue
1.4 mi · 3 min · Edgington Avenue
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10
Turn left onto Washington Street
21 m · 2 sec · Washington Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Eldora.
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 North
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
19.1 mi · 00h 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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ames and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Eldora.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Eldora?
The road trip is about 49.9 miles (80.3 km) and usually takes 01h 09m 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?
Ellsworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.9 miles from Ames and 25 miles from Eldora.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 34.9 miles (56.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 15 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 4:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.64 one way or $13.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Eldora.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Eldora. Straight-line distance: 34.88 mi (56.14 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 Eldora
City in Hardin County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,571 |
| Coordinates | 42.3608200, -93.0996500 |
| Altitude | 331 |
| Country | United States |
End: Eldora (-93.09965, 42.36082)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 80 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.64 | $13.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.49 | $14.97 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.19 | $16.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.34 | $18.67 |
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.