How far is Ames, IA from Prairie City, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Prairie City, IA is about 51.1 miles (82.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36 miles (58 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 08m 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 01h 04m.
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.
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
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 Prairie City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Prairie City.
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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
25.7 mi · 28 min
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4
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
955 ft · 13 sec
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5
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 East: Davenport
1.3 km · 2 min
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6
Merge slight right
2.6 mi · 3 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 163: East University Avenue, Pleasant Hill
2194 ft · 55 sec
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10
Turn left onto East University Avenue
3.3 mi · 4 min · East University Avenue
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11
Continue on Northeast University Avenue
1.8 mi · 2 min · Northeast University Avenue
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12
Continue on East University Avenue
6.6 mi · 8 min · East University Avenue
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13
Turn left onto West 116th Street South
84 m · 7 sec · West 116th Street South
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14
Turn right onto State Highway 163 (Bus)
1.3 mi · 2 min · State Highway 163 (Bus)
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15
Turn left onto West 2nd Street
1.2 km · 1 min · West 2nd Street
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16
Turn left onto South State Street
1027 ft · 23 sec · South State Street
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17
Turn left onto East 5th Street
105 m · 15 sec · East 5th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 5th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Prairie 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.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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 Prairie City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Prairie City?
The road trip is about 51.1 miles (82.2 km) and usually takes 01h 04m 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?
Ankeny is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.5 miles from Ames and 25.5 miles from Prairie City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36 miles (58 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.1 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 4:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.79 one way or $13.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16 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 Prairie City.
Stop Ideas Near Ankeny
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 Ankeny.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Prairie City. Straight-line distance: 36.01 mi (57.96 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 Prairie City
City in Jasper County, Iowa
| Population | 1,718 |
| Coordinates | 41.5994300, -93.2352100 |
| Altitude | 283 |
| Country | United States |
End: Prairie City (-93.23521, 41.59943)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 82 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.79 | $13.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.66 | $15.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.38 | $16.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.55 | $19.09 |
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.