How far is Ames, IA from Traer, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Traer, IA is about 76.2 miles (122.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 60.2 miles (96.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 18m 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 39m.
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 Marshal County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Traer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Traer.
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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
49.7 mi · 58 min
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6
Take the exit slight left
1.8 mi · 3 min
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7
Turn sharp left onto South County Road
1.2 mi · 2 min · South County Road
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8
Continue on J Avenue
11.8 mi · 18 min · J Avenue
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9
At the end of the road, turn right
7.2 mi · 11 min
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Traer.
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
49.7 mi · 00h 58m
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 Traer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Traer?
The road trip is about 76.2 miles (122.6 km) and usually takes 01h 39m 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?
Marshalltown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 38 miles from Ames and 38.2 miles from Traer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 60.2 miles (96.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 16 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 3:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.14 one way or $20.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Traer.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Traer. Straight-line distance: 60.18 mi (96.85 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 Traer
City in Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,585 |
| Coordinates | 42.1936000, -92.4654700 |
| Altitude | 279 |
| Country | United States |
End: Traer (-92.46547, 42.1936)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 123 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.14 | $20.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.44 | $22.88 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.52 | $25.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.27 | $28.54 |
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.