How far is Ames, IA from Storm Lake, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Storm Lake, IA is about 127.8 miles (205.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 91.3 miles (147 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 11m 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 02h 35m.
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.
Human settlement in Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Storm Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Storm Lake.
-
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
10.9 mi · 15 min
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7
Turn left
3.1 mi · 7 min
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8
Continue on Grand Avenue
942 ft · 40 sec · Grand Avenue
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Storm Lake.
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 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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Ames and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Storm Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Storm Lake?
The road trip is about 127.8 miles (205.7 km) and usually takes 02h 35m 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?
Otho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63.8 miles from Ames and 64 miles from Storm Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 91.3 miles (147 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.5 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 1:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.01 one way or $34.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Ames and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Storm Lake.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Storm Lake. Straight-line distance: 91.37 mi (147.04 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 Storm Lake
City in Iowa
| Population | 10,438 |
| Coordinates | 42.6410900, -95.2097200 |
| Altitude | 433 |
| Country | United States |
End: Storm Lake (-95.20972, 42.64109)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 206 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.01 | $34.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.18 | $38.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.99 | $41.98 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.92 | $47.84 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.