How far is Ames, IA from Spencer, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Spencer, IA is about 160.6 miles (258.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 108.9 miles (175.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 38m 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 19m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Spencer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Spencer.
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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
81.3 mi · 1 hr 34 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake
1974 ft · 57 sec
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6
Turn right
45.2 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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7
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2694 ft · 1 min · 11th Street Southwest
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8
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 54 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
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9
At the end of the road, turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 41 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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10
Turn left onto South Grand Avenue
2631 ft · 2 min · South Grand Avenue
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11
Turn right onto East 4th Street
21 m · 1 sec · East 4th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Spencer.
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
81.3 mi · 01h 34m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Ames and Mostly Sunny near Spencer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Spencer?
The road trip is about 160.6 miles (258.5 km) and usually takes 03h 19m 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?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.2 miles from Ames and 80.4 miles from Spencer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 108.9 miles (175.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.7 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 10:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.38 one way or $42.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Ames and Mostly Sunny near Spencer.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Spencer. Straight-line distance: 108.9 mi (175.26 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 Spencer
City in the state of Iowa (United States)
| Population | 10,989 |
| Coordinates | 43.1413600, -95.1444400 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| Country | United States |
End: Spencer (-95.14444, 43.14136)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 258 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.38 | $42.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.11 | $48.23 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.39 | $52.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.07 | $60.15 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.