How far is Ames, IA from Emmetsburg, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Emmetsburg, IA is about 134.5 miles (216.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 92 miles (148.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 39m 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 49m.
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.
Human settlement in Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Emmetsburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Emmetsburg.
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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
29 mi · 31 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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4
Merge slight left
56.1 mi · 1 hr 5 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 4: Rockwell City, Pocahontas
2133 ft · 1 min
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6
Turn right onto Marshall Avenue
1.4 mi · 2 min · Marshall Avenue
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Marshall Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Marshall Avenue
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8
Continue on Marengo Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Marengo Avenue
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9
Continue on South East Street
1.2 km · 1 min · South East Street
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10
Continue on Marengo Avenue
2317 ft · 39 sec · Marengo Avenue
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11
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · 220th Avenue
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12
Continue on Southwest 7th Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Southwest 7th Street
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13
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.1 mi · 15 min · 220th Avenue
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14
Continue on 460th Avenue
13 mi · 18 min · 460th Avenue
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15
Continue on Broadway Street
1.6 km · 3 min · Broadway Street
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16
Turn left onto Main Street
1026 ft · 39 sec · Main Street
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17
Turn right onto Lawler Street
101 m · 12 sec · Lawler Street
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18
Turn left onto 8th Street
27 m · 4 sec · 8th Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Emmetsburg.
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 West
Merge slight left
56.1 mi · 01h 05m
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.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Ames and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Emmetsburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Emmetsburg?
The road trip is about 134.5 miles (216.5 km) and usually takes 02h 49m 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?
Moorland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.2 miles from Ames and 67.3 miles from Emmetsburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 92 miles (148.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.5 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 12:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.91 one way or $35.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ames and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Emmetsburg.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Emmetsburg. Straight-line distance: 92.05 mi (148.14 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 Emmetsburg
City in Palo Alto County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,667 |
| Coordinates | 43.1127400, -94.6830400 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| Country | United States |
End: Emmetsburg (-94.68304, 43.11274)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 217 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.91 | $35.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.20 | $40.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.11 | $44.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.19 | $50.39 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.