How far is Ames, IA from Grimes, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Grimes, IA is about 36.5 miles (58.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 25.5 miles (41 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 45m 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 00h 52m.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Grimes.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Grimes.
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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
16.1 mi · 17 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward Elkhart, Polk City
2390 ft · 1 min
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5
Turn right onto Northeast 126th Avenue
1.4 mi · 3 min · Northeast 126th Avenue
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6
Turn left onto Northeast 14th Street
1.6 km · 1 min · Northeast 14th Street
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7
Turn right onto Northeast 118th Avenue
2657 ft · 41 sec · Northeast 118th Avenue
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8
Continue on Northwest 118th Avenue
4.7 mi · 7 min · Northwest 118th Avenue
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9
Continue on East Northside Drive
2378 ft · 1 min · East Northside Drive
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10
At the end of the road, turn left onto North 3rd Street
1.6 km · 3 min · North 3rd Street
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11
Turn right onto West Bridge Road
1.3 km · 2 min · West Bridge Road
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12
Continue on Mile Long Bridge
1.5 km · 2 min · Mile Long Bridge
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13
Continue on Northwest 112th Street
2564 ft · 49 sec · Northwest 112th Street
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14
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Northwest Saylorville Drive
37 m · 2 sec · Northwest Saylorville Drive
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15
Exit the roundabout onto Northwest Saylorville Drive
1.5 mi · 2 min · Northwest Saylorville Drive
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16
Take the ramp straight
3094 ft · 1 min
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17
Merge slight left onto Northwest 114th Street
2 mi · 2 min · Northwest 114th Street
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18
Continue on Northeast Grimes Boulevard
1.1 km · 57 sec · Northeast Grimes Boulevard
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19
Take the exit slight right toward IA 44: Grimes, Saylorville Lake
1733 ft · 49 sec
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20
Turn right onto East 1st Street
1.3 km · 2 min · East 1st Street
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21
Turn left onto Southeast Main Street
7 m · 1 sec · Southeast Main Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southeast Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Grimes.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
16.1 mi · 00h 17m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Grimes.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Grimes?
The road trip is about 36.5 miles (58.8 km) and usually takes 00h 52m 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?
Alleman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 18.3 miles from Ames and 18.3 miles from Grimes.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 25.5 miles (41 km), while the road route adds roughly 11 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 4:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.86 one way or $9.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Grimes.
Stop Ideas Near Alleman
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 Alleman.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Grimes. Straight-line distance: 25.5 mi (41.04 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 Grimes
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 15,831 |
| Coordinates | 41.6883200, -93.7910600 |
| Altitude | 291 |
| Country | United States |
End: Grimes (-93.79106, 41.68832)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 59 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.86 | $9.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.49 | $10.97 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.00 | $12.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.84 | $13.68 |
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.