How far is Ames, IA from Forest City, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Forest City, IA is about 94.2 miles (151.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 84.8 miles (136.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 07m 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 03m.
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 Wright 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 Forest City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Forest City.
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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
3.3 mi · 4 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 69
1984 ft · 51 sec
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6
Turn right onto Little Wall Lake Road
19.5 mi · 27 min · Little Wall Lake Road
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7
Turn right onto 220th Street
1.3 km · 1 min · 220th Street
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8
Turn straight
12.3 mi · 17 min
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9
Continue straight
13.6 mi · 19 min
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10
At the end of the road, turn left
1.1 mi · 2 min
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11
Turn right
11 mi · 15 min
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12
Turn left onto East J Street
1114 ft · 28 sec · East J Street
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13
Turn left onto South 4th Street
109 m · 16 sec · South 4th Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Forest City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 35 North
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
29 mi · 00h 31m
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 Forest City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Forest City?
The road trip is about 94.2 miles (151.6 km) and usually takes 02h 03m 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?
Galt is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.1 miles from Ames and 47 miles from Forest City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 84.8 miles (136.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.4 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 2:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.52 one way or $25.04 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 29.5 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 Forest City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Forest City. Straight-line distance: 84.84 mi (136.53 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 Forest City
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 4,025 |
| Coordinates | 43.2624600, -93.6371600 |
| Altitude | 383 |
| Country | United States |
End: Forest City (-93.63716, 43.26246)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 152 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.52 | $25.04 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.12 | $28.24 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.45 | $30.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.61 | $35.22 |
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.