How far is Ames, IA from Le Mars, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Le Mars, IA is about 188.4 miles (303.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 140.1 miles (225.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 37m 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 48m.
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.
Human settlement in Calhoun County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Le Mars.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Le Mars.
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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
5.4 mi · 7 min · Lee Avenue
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6
Continue on Shamrock Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · Shamrock Avenue
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7
Turn left onto 320th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 320th Street
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8
Turn right onto State Highway 140
11 mi · 15 min · State Highway 140
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9
Turn left onto C38
2 mi · 3 min · C38
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10
Continue on 210th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 210th Street
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11
Continue on C38
1 mi · 1 min · C38
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12
Turn right onto County Road K64
4 mi · 6 min · County Road K64
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13
Turn left onto State Highway 3
4.7 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
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14
Continue on Lincoln Street Northeast
1.1 km · 1 min · Lincoln Street Northeast
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15
Continue on 5th Avenue Northeast
617 ft · 18 sec · 5th Avenue Northeast
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16
Turn right onto 1st Street Northeast
1719 ft · 59 sec · 1st Street Northeast
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Street Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Le Mars.
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 Le Mars.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Le Mars?
The road trip is about 188.4 miles (303.2 km) and usually takes 03h 48m 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?
Jolley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94 miles from Ames and 94.4 miles from Le Mars.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 140.1 miles (225.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.08 one way or $50.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Le Mars.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Le Mars. Straight-line distance: 140.05 mi (225.39 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 Mars
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,195 |
| Coordinates | 42.7941600, -96.1655800 |
| Altitude | 376 |
| Country | United States |
End: Le Mars (-96.16558, 42.79416)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 303 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.08 | $50.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.28 | $56.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.95 | $61.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.27 | $70.54 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.