How far is Ames, IA from Indiana, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Indiana, IA is about 81.3 miles (130.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 65.1 miles (104.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 44m 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 22m.
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.
American city in Iowa
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 Indiana.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Indiana.
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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
25.7 mi · 28 min
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4
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
955 ft · 13 sec
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5
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 East: Davenport
1.3 km · 2 min
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6
Merge slight right
2.6 mi · 3 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
10.7 mi · 12 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
3203 ft · 1 min
-
10
Continue straight
18.5 mi · 21 min
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11
Turn left
10.6 mi · 12 min
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12
Take the exit slight right
2592 ft · 1 min
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13
Turn right
5.8 mi · 9 min
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14
Turn sharp right onto County Highway G76
959 ft · 24 sec · County Highway G76
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15
Continue on County Highway G76
1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · County Highway G76
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Indiana.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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 Indiana.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Indiana?
The road trip is about 81.3 miles (130.8 km) and usually takes 01h 22m 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?
Pleasant Hill is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.7 miles from Ames and 40.6 miles from Indiana.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 65.1 miles (104.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.2 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 3:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.82 one way or $21.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.5 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 Indiana.
Stop Ideas Near Pleasant Hill
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 Pleasant Hill.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Indiana. Straight-line distance: 65.07 mi (104.72 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 Indiana
A city located in the state of Iowa.
| Population | 820,445 |
| Coordinates | 41.2044400, -93.0252000 |
| Altitude | 281 |
| Country | United States |
End: County Highway G76 (-93.02522, 41.204476)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 131 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.82 | $21.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.21 | $24.41 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.36 | $26.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.22 | $30.44 |
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 · Jun 08, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.