How far is Ames, IA from Kingsley, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Kingsley, IA is about 162.8 miles (262 km), with a travel time of about 03h 13m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 125.9 miles (202.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 26m 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 03h 13m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Kingsley.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Kingsley.
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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
29 mi · 31 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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4
Merge slight left
121.1 mi · 2 hr 21 min
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5
Turn right onto Lee Avenue
4.5 mi · 6 min · Lee Avenue
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6
Turn left onto 110th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 110th Street
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7
Turn right onto Knox Avenue
1.5 km · 1 min · Knox Avenue
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8
Continue on County Road L14
1.8 mi · 3 min · County Road L14
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9
Turn left onto East 1st Street
2656 ft · 1 min · East 1st Street
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10
Turn right onto Main Street
144 m · 27 sec · Main Street
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11
Turn left onto West 2nd Street
19 m · 3 sec · West 2nd Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Kingsley.
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
121 mi · 02h 21m
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Kingsley.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Kingsley?
The road trip is about 162.8 miles (262 km) and usually takes 03h 13m 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?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.3 miles from Ames and 81.6 miles from Kingsley.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 125.9 miles (202.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.9 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 10:34 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.68 one way or $43.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Kingsley.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Kingsley. Straight-line distance: 125.9 mi (202.61 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 Kingsley
Town in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,397 |
| Coordinates | 42.5883200, -95.9675200 |
| Altitude | 383 |
| Country | United States |
End: Kingsley (-95.96752, 42.58832)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 262 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.68 | $43.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.45 | $48.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.76 | $53.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.50 | $61.00 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.