How far is Ames, IA from Ely, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Ely, IA is about 110.7 miles (178.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.1 miles (169.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 29m 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 14m.
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Ely.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Ely.
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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
1.6 mi · 2 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 East: Nevada
1254 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
100.8 mi · 1 hr 57 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward CR W6E: Ely
2295 ft · 58 sec
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7
Turn right onto C Street Southwest
658 ft · 20 sec · C Street Southwest
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8
Turn left onto Ely Road
3.5 mi · 6 min · Ely Road
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9
Continue on State Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Street
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10
Turn left onto Dows Street
642 ft · 18 sec · Dows Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Dows Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Ely.
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
101 mi · 01h 57m
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 leaving Ames and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ely.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Ely?
The road trip is about 110.7 miles (178.1 km) and usually takes 02h 14m 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?
Toledo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 55.2 miles from Ames and 55.4 miles from Ely.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.1 miles (169.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.6 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 2:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.71 one way or $29.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Ames and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ely.
Stop Ideas Near Toledo
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 Toledo.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Ely. Straight-line distance: 105.14 mi (169.21 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 Ely
City in Linn County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,382 |
| Coordinates | 41.8736200, -91.5851800 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ely (-91.58518, 41.87362)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 178 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.71 | $29.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.59 | $33.17 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.15 | $36.30 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.69 | $41.37 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.