How far is Ames, IA from Orange City, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Orange City, IA is about 196.2 miles (315.8 km), with a travel time of about 04h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 141.2 miles (227.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 00m 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 04h 00m.
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 Sac County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Orange City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Orange City.
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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
15.1 mi · 21 min · State Highway 140
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9
Continue on County Road L14
7 mi · 10 min · County Road L14
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10
Continue on Kiwi Avenue
5 mi · 7 min · Kiwi Avenue
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11
At the end of the road, turn left onto 460th Street
1.8 mi · 2 min · 460th Street
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12
Continue on State Highway 10
1587 ft · 25 sec · State Highway 10
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13
Continue on Kennedy Avenue
1.4 km · 1 min · Kennedy Avenue
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14
Turn left onto 450th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 450th Street
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 450th Street
25 m · 5 sec · 450th Street
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16
Exit the roundabout onto 450th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 450th Street
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17
Continue on 8th Street Southeast
1307 ft · 38 sec · 8th Street Southeast
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18
Turn right onto Albany Avenue Southeast
1.1 km · 2 min · Albany Avenue Southeast
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19
Turn left onto 2nd Street Northeast
131 m · 21 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northwest
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Orange City.
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 Orange City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Orange City?
The road trip is about 196.2 miles (315.8 km) and usually takes 04h 00m 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?
Lytton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.9 miles from Ames and 98.2 miles from Orange City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 141.2 miles (227.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 55 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 9:00 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.10 one way or $52.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Orange City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Orange City. Straight-line distance: 141.18 mi (227.21 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 Orange City
City in Western Iowa
| Population | 6,182 |
| Coordinates | 43.0072100, -96.0583500 |
| Altitude | 440 |
| Country | United States |
End: Orange City (-96.05835, 43.00721)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 316 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.10 | $52.19 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.43 | $58.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.21 | $64.41 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.70 | $73.41 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.