How far is Ames, IA from Elkader, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Elkader, IA is about 168.2 miles (270.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.3 miles (203.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 49m 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 24m.
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 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 Elkader.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Elkader.
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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
28.6 mi · 31 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2998 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left
71.7 mi · 1 hr 23 min
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5
Keep slight left
28.1 mi · 32 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
2049 ft · 57 sec
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7
Turn left onto Washburn Avenue
12.5 mi · 17 min · Washburn Avenue
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8
Continue on C Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · C Avenue
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward 40th Street
6 m · 1 sec · 40th Street
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10
Exit the roundabout onto 40th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 40th Street
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11
Continue on State Highway 3
2.9 mi · 4 min · State Highway 3
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12
Continue on West Mission Street
1.3 km · 1 min · West Mission Street
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13
Turn left onto Elkader Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Elkader Street
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14
Continue on State Highway 13
13.1 mi · 18 min · State Highway 13
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15
Turn left onto Strawberry Point Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Strawberry Point Road
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16
Continue on South 1st Street
1177 ft · 20 sec · South 1st Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 1st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Elkader.
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 20 East
Merge slight left
71.7 mi · 01h 23m
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Elkader.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Elkader?
The road trip is about 168.2 miles (270.7 km) and usually takes 03h 24m 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?
Dike is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84 miles from Ames and 84.2 miles from Elkader.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.3 miles (203.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 41.9 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 10:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.40 one way or $44.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Elkader.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Elkader. Straight-line distance: 126.29 mi (203.25 km).
#1 Ames
The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,033 |
| Coordinates | 42.0347100, -93.6199400 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elkader (-91.40542, 42.85387)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 271 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.40 | $44.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.26 | $50.53 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.64 | $55.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.51 | $63.01 |
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 · May 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.