How far is Ames, IA from Red Oak, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Red Oak, IA is about 152.2 miles (245 km), with a travel time of about 03h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 109.2 miles (175.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 21m 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 10m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Guthrie 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 Red Oak.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Red Oak.
-
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 right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
62.3 mi · 1 hr 7 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward US 6, US 71: Atlantic, Audubon
1922 ft · 49 sec
-
7
Turn left onto 650th Street
6.5 mi · 9 min · 650th Street
-
8
Turn right onto East 7th Street
3.5 mi · 6 min · East 7th Street
-
9
Continue on White Pole Road
757 ft · 20 sec · White Pole Road
-
10
Continue on West 7th Street
1 km · 1 min · West 7th Street
-
11
Continue on Southwest 7th Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Southwest 7th Street
-
12
Continue on White Pole Road
8.9 mi · 13 min · White Pole Road
-
13
Turn left onto 550th Street
5.3 mi · 8 min · 550th Street
-
14
Continue on Adair Street
1.5 km · 1 min · Adair Street
-
15
Continue on 550th Street
4.8 mi · 7 min · 550th Street
-
16
Continue on M Avenue
1.4 km · 1 min · M Avenue
-
17
Continue on 110 Street
14 mi · 21 min · 110 Street
-
18
Turn left onto West Hammond Street
2305 ft · 2 min · West Hammond Street
-
19
Turn right onto North 7th Street
91 m · 15 sec · North 7th Street
-
20
Turn right onto East Reed Street
100 m · 14 sec · East Reed Street
-
21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Reed Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Red Oak.
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 80 West
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
62.3 mi · 01h 07m
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.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Ames and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Red Oak.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Red Oak?
The road trip is about 152.2 miles (245 km) and usually takes 03h 10m 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?
Menlo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.1 miles from Ames and 76.2 miles from Red Oak.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 109.2 miles (175.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 43 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 10:38 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.25 one way or $40.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.7 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 Red Oak.
Stop Ideas Near Menlo
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 Menlo.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Red Oak. Straight-line distance: 109.15 mi (175.66 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 Red Oak
City in and county seat of Montgomery County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,271 |
| Coordinates | 41.0097200, -95.2255500 |
| Altitude | 320 |
| Country | United States |
End: Red Oak (-95.22555, 41.00972)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 245 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.25 | $40.50 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.84 | $45.68 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.99 | $49.98 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.48 | $56.96 |
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.