How far is Ames, IA from Jefferson, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Jefferson, IA is about 43 miles (69.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.9 miles (62.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 57m 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 58m.
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 Yell Township, Boone County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Jefferson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Jefferson.
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1
Start on 13th Street
36 m · 11 sec · 13th Street
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2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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3
Continue on South Grand Avenue
1342 ft · 37 sec · South Grand Avenue
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4
Turn right onto South 4th Street
1.1 km · 2 min · South 4th Street
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5
Turn left onto University Boulevard
1.1 mi · 2 min · University Boulevard
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6
Take the ramp right toward US 30 west: Boone
1728 ft · 42 sec
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7
Merge slight left
38.5 mi · 49 min
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8
Turn left onto North Elm Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · North Elm Street
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9
Turn right onto West Lincolnway Street
7 m · 1 sec · West Lincolnway Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Lincolnway Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Jefferson.
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 30 west
Merge slight left
38.5 mi · 00h 49m
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 leaving Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Jefferson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Jefferson?
The road trip is about 43 miles (69.2 km) and usually takes 00h 58m 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?
Ogden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.4 miles from Ames and 21.6 miles from Jefferson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.9 miles (62.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.1 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 4:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.73 one way or $11.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Jefferson.
Stop Ideas Near Ogden
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 Ogden.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Jefferson. Straight-line distance: 38.9 mi (62.61 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 Jefferson
City in Greene County, Iowa
| Population | 4,075 |
| Coordinates | 42.0152600, -94.3774700 |
| Altitude | 325 |
| Country | United States |
End: Jefferson (-94.37747, 42.01526)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 69 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.73 | $11.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.46 | $12.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.07 | $14.15 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.06 | $16.12 |
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.