How far is Ames, IA from Iowa Falls, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Iowa Falls, IA is about 52.9 miles (85.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.6 miles (62.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 11m 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 05m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Iowa Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Iowa Falls.
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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
-
4
Merge slight left
15.1 mi · 17 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward US 65: Iowa Falls, Hubbard
1747 ft · 51 sec
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6
Turn left
5.1 mi · 9 min
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7
Turn right onto Rocksylvania Avenue
2967 ft · 1 min · Rocksylvania Avenue
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8
Turn left onto Commercial Street
101 m · 9 sec · Commercial Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Commercial Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Iowa Falls.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 35 North
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
28.6 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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Patchy Fog then Sunny near Iowa Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Iowa Falls?
The road trip is about 52.9 miles (85.2 km) and usually takes 01h 05m 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?
Ellsworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.5 miles from Ames and 26.5 miles from Iowa Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.6 miles (62.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.3 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 4:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.05 one way or $14.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Patchy Fog then Sunny near Iowa Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Iowa Falls. Straight-line distance: 38.61 mi (62.14 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 Iowa Falls
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 4,940 |
| Coordinates | 42.5224800, -93.2513100 |
| Altitude | 337 |
| Country | United States |
End: Iowa Falls (-93.25131, 42.52248)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 85 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.05 | $14.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.95 | $15.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.70 | $17.41 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.92 | $19.84 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.