How far is Ames, IA from Tama, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Tama, IA is about 57.4 miles (92.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 21m 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 10m.
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.
City in Marshall County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Tama.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Tama.
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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
1.6 mi · 2 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 East: Nevada
1254 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
51.1 mi · 59 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
2562 ft · 1 min
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7
Turn right onto South County Road
1327 ft · 22 sec · South County Road
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8
Continue on Harding Street
2225 ft · 43 sec · Harding Street
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9
Turn left onto West 13th Street
1334 ft · 25 sec · West 13th Street
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10
Turn right onto State Street
1642 ft · 28 sec · State Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Tama.
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 30 East
Merge slight left
51.1 mi · 00h 59m
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Tama.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Tama?
The road trip is about 57.4 miles (92.4 km) and usually takes 01h 10m 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?
State Center is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28.6 miles from Ames and 28.8 miles from Tama.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.66 one way or $15.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Tama.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Tama. Straight-line distance: 53.76 mi (86.52 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 Tama
City in Tokyo, Japan
| Population | 2,723 |
| Coordinates | 41.9666600, -92.5768600 |
| Altitude | 257 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tama (-92.57686, 41.96666)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 92 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.66 | $15.31 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.63 | $17.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.45 | $18.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.77 | $21.53 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.