How far is Ames, IA from Fairbank, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Fairbank, IA is about 125.1 miles (201.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.5 miles (145.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 00m 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 30m.
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 Grundy County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Fairbank.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Fairbank.
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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
7 mi · 8 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
2151 ft · 59 sec
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7
Turn left onto Benson Shady Grove Avenue
1.4 mi · 2 min · Benson Shady Grove Avenue
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8
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Street
1395 ft · 30 sec · South Street
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9
Turn right onto Main Street
1.6 km · 2 min · Main Street
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10
Continue on Baxter Avenue
9 mi · 12 min · Baxter Avenue
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Baxter Avenue
39 m · 3 sec · Baxter Avenue
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12
Exit the roundabout onto Baxter Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Baxter Avenue
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13
Continue on Walnut Street South
1687 ft · 54 sec · Walnut Street South
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14
Turn right onto Main Street West
2641 ft · 47 sec · Main Street West
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15
Turn right onto 4th Street South
21 m · 1 sec · 4th Street South
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Fairbank.
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 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 Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Fairbank.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Fairbank?
The road trip is about 125.1 miles (201.3 km) and usually takes 02h 30m 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?
Wellsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.4 miles from Ames and 62.6 miles from Fairbank.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.5 miles (145.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.6 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 1:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.63 one way or $33.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Fairbank.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Fairbank. Straight-line distance: 90.53 mi (145.7 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 Fairbank
City in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,132 |
| Coordinates | 42.6391500, -92.0471200 |
| Altitude | 301 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairbank (-92.04712, 42.63915)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 201 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.63 | $33.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.76 | $37.51 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.52 | $41.05 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.39 | $46.78 |
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.