How far is Ames, IA from Sergeant Bluff, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Sergeant Bluff, IA is about 180.8 miles (291 km), with a travel time of about 03h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.4 miles (229.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 12m 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 36m.
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.
Chance Rain Showers
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Sergeant Bluff.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Sergeant Bluff.
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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
136.4 mi · 2 hr 39 min
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5
Turn left onto Delaware Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Delaware Avenue
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6
Continue on Maple Street
1615 ft · 50 sec · Maple Street
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7
Continue on Front Street
1112 ft · 30 sec · Front Street
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8
Continue on Bronson Blacktop
1.1 mi · 2 min · Bronson Blacktop
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9
Turn right onto Old Highway 141
2649 ft · 48 sec · Old Highway 141
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10
Turn left onto 210th Street
4.9 mi · 7 min · 210th Street
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11
Continue on 1st Street
1.1 km · 2 min · 1st Street
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12
Turn right onto South Lewis Boulevard
1429 ft · 40 sec · South Lewis Boulevard
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13
Turn left onto 4th Street
119 m · 17 sec · 4th Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Sergeant Bluff.
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
136 mi · 02h 39m
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 Showers leaving Ames and Partly Cloudy near Sergeant Bluff.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Sergeant Bluff?
The road trip is about 180.8 miles (291 km) and usually takes 03h 36m 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 90.2 miles from Ames and 90.6 miles from Sergeant Bluff.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.4 miles (229.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 38.4 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 9:48 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.06 one way or $48.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Ames and Partly Cloudy near Sergeant Bluff.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Sergeant Bluff. Straight-line distance: 142.43 mi (229.22 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 Sergeant Bluff
City in Woodbury County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 5,119 |
| Coordinates | 42.4038800, -96.3586400 |
| Altitude | 334 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sergeant Bluff (-96.35864, 42.40388)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 291 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.06 | $48.12 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.13 | $54.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.69 | $59.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.84 | $67.68 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.