How far is Ames, IA from Leon, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Leon, IA is about 104.9 miles (168.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 89.7 miles (144.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 04m 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 02h 02m.
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.
Human settlement in Warren County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Leon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Leon.
-
1
Start on 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
-
2
Take the ramp right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1641 ft · 40 sec
-
3
Merge slight left
25.7 mi · 28 min
-
4
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
14.3 mi · 16 min
-
5
Keep slight left
50.5 mi · 55 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward Webb
1651 ft · 46 sec
-
7
Turn left onto 120th Street
1038 ft · 21 sec · 120th Street
-
8
Continue on Line Street
1.2 km · 1 min · Line Street
-
9
Continue on 120th Street
1.6 km · 2 min · 120th Street
-
10
Turn right
9.4 mi · 13 min
-
11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Northwest Church Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Leon.
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 South
Keep slight left
50.5 mi · 00h 55m
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.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Ames and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Leon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Leon?
The road trip is about 104.9 miles (168.8 km) and usually takes 02h 02m 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?
Cumming is a useful midpoint, sitting about 52.5 miles from Ames and 52.4 miles from Leon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 89.7 miles (144.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.2 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 2:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.95 one way or $27.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ames and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Leon.
Stop Ideas Near Cumming
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 Cumming.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Leon. Straight-line distance: 89.72 mi (144.39 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 Leon
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,808 |
| Coordinates | 40.7397200, -93.7477200 |
| Altitude | 343 |
| Country | United States |
End: Leon (-93.74772, 40.73972)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 169 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.95 | $27.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.74 | $31.47 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.22 | $34.44 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.62 | $39.25 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.