How far is Ames, IA from Hudson, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Hudson, IA is about 94 miles (151.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 64.9 miles (104.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 42m 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 01h 51m.
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 Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Hudson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Hudson.
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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
57.4 mi · 1 hr 6 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 58 South: Hudson Road, Hudson
2342 ft · 59 sec
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6
Turn right onto Hudson Road
4 mi · 5 min · Hudson Road
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7
Turn left onto 5th Street
1849 ft · 42 sec · 5th Street
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8
Turn left onto North Jefferson Street
16 m · 2 sec · North Jefferson Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jefferson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Hudson.
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
57.4 mi · 01h 06m
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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Hudson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Hudson?
The road trip is about 94 miles (151.2 km) and usually takes 01h 51m 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 46.9 miles from Ames and 47 miles from Hudson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 64.9 miles (104.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.1 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 2:48 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 Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Hudson.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Hudson. Straight-line distance: 64.89 mi (104.43 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 Hudson
City in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,473 |
| Coordinates | 42.4066500, -92.4554700 |
| Altitude | 275 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hudson (-92.45547, 42.40665)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 151 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.