How far is Ames, IA from Le Claire, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Le Claire, IA is about 189.8 miles (305.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 171.4 miles (275.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 23m 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 41m.
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 Benton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Le Claire.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Le Claire.
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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
1.6 mi · 2 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 East: Nevada
1254 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
99.3 mi · 1 hr 55 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City, Airport
2293 ft · 39 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
15.4 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
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10
Merge slight left
66.2 mi · 1 hr 13 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 67: LeClaire, Bettendorf
2799 ft · 55 sec
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12
Turn left onto South Cody Road
1.8 mi · 4 min · South Cody Road
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13
Turn right onto Jones Street
14 m · 2 sec · Jones Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Jones Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Le Claire.
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 East
Merge slight left
99.3 mi · 01h 55m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Ames and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Le Claire.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Le Claire?
The road trip is about 189.8 miles (305.5 km) and usually takes 03h 41m 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?
Atkins is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94.7 miles from Ames and 95.1 miles from Le Claire.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 171.4 miles (275.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.4 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 9:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.27 one way or $50.53 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Ames and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Le Claire.
Stop Ideas Near Atkins
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 Atkins.
Mount Pleasant
Ottumwa station
Davenport, Iowa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Le Claire. Straight-line distance: 171.37 mi (275.8 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 Le Claire
City in Scott County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 3,955 |
| Coordinates | 41.5986400, -90.3434600 |
| Altitude | 180 |
| Country | United States |
End: Le Claire (-90.34346, 41.59864)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 305 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.27 | $50.53 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.50 | $56.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.18 | $62.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.54 | $71.07 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.