How far is Ames, IA from Eldridge, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Eldridge, IA is about 182.7 miles (294.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 158.4 miles (254.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 07m 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 33m.
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.
City in Benton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Eldridge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Eldridge.
-
1
Start on 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
-
2
Take the ramp right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1641 ft · 40 sec
-
3
Merge slight left
1.6 mi · 2 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 East: Nevada
1254 ft · 43 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
99.3 mi · 1 hr 55 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City, Airport
2293 ft · 39 sec
-
7
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
15.4 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
-
10
Merge slight left
55.8 mi · 1 hr 1 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward US 61 North: Eldridge, DeWitt
1744 ft · 42 sec
-
12
Merge slight left onto North Brady Street
3.8 mi · 5 min · North Brady Street
-
13
Take the exit slight right
1827 ft · 51 sec
-
14
Turn left onto East Leclaire Road
1.3 km · 2 min · East Leclaire Road
-
15
Turn right onto North 1st Street
961 ft · 38 sec · North 1st Street
-
16
Turn left onto West Franklin Street
98 m · 13 sec · West Franklin Street
-
17
Turn right onto North 2nd Street
86 m · 12 sec · North 2nd Street
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Eldridge.
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
99.3 mi · 01h 55m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ames and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Eldridge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Eldridge?
The road trip is about 182.7 miles (294.1 km) and usually takes 03h 33m 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?
Atkins is a useful midpoint, sitting about 91.2 miles from Ames and 91.5 miles from Eldridge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 158.4 miles (254.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.3 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 9:52 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.32 one way or $48.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Eldridge.
Stop Ideas Near Atkins
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 Atkins.
Mount Pleasant
Ottumwa station
Davenport, Iowa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Eldridge. Straight-line distance: 158.38 mi (254.88 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 Eldridge
City in Scott County Iowa
| Population | 6,864 |
| Coordinates | 41.6580900, -90.5845800 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
End: Eldridge (-90.58458, 41.65809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 294 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 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 | $24.32 | $48.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.43 | $54.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.02 | $60.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.21 | $68.42 |
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.