How far is Ames, IA from Hawarden, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Hawarden, IA is about 219.3 miles (353 km), with a travel time of about 04h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 160.3 miles (258 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 55m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 27m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Sac County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Hawarden.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Hawarden.
-
1
Start on 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
-
2
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
29 mi · 31 min
-
3
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
141.8 mi · 2 hr 46 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward US 75 North: Le Mars
3110 ft · 1 min
-
6
Merge slight left
6.3 mi · 7 min
-
7
Turn left onto County Road C80
3.4 mi · 6 min · County Road C80
-
8
At the end of the road, turn right onto K 22
2456 ft · 38 sec · K 22
-
9
Continue on County Road K22
15 mi · 21 min · County Road K22
-
10
Continue on State Highway 3
1 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
-
11
Continue on County Road K22
7 mi · 10 min · County Road K22
-
12
Continue on Dipper Avenue
6.1 mi · 8 min · Dipper Avenue
-
13
Turn left onto 450th Street
5.1 mi · 7 min · 450th Street
-
14
Continue on 10th Street
1.1 km · 2 min · 10th Street
-
15
Turn left onto Central Avenue
105 m · 15 sec · Central Avenue
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Hawarden.
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
142 mi · 02h 46m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ames and Chance Rain Showers near Hawarden.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Hawarden?
The road trip is about 219.3 miles (353 km) and usually takes 04h 27m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Nemaha is a useful midpoint, sitting about 109.5 miles from Ames and 109.9 miles from Hawarden.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 160.3 miles (258 km), while the road route adds roughly 59 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:04 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.19 one way or $58.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 68.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Chance Rain Showers near Hawarden.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Hawarden. Straight-line distance: 160.31 mi (258 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 Hawarden
City in Sioux County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,443 |
| Coordinates | 42.9958200, -96.4853100 |
| Altitude | 360 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hawarden (-96.48531, 42.99582)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 353 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.19 | $58.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $32.92 | $65.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $36.02 | $72.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $41.05 | $82.11 |
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.