How far is Ames, IA from Tripoli, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Tripoli, IA is about 122.4 miles (197 km), with a travel time of about 02h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 87.6 miles (141 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 01m 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 30m.
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 Grundy County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Tripoli.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Tripoli.
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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
28.6 mi · 31 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2998 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left
53.9 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
2133 ft · 1 min
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6
Turn left onto Grundy Road
1.6 km · 1 min · Grundy Road
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7
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi · 5 min · University Avenue
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Greenhill Road
2 m · 1 sec · Greenhill Road
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9
Exit the roundabout onto Greenhill Road
1.2 mi · 2 min · Greenhill Road
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10
Turn left onto Avenue of the Saints
2.7 mi · 4 min · Avenue of the Saints
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 South: Waterloo
1.4 km · 2 min
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12
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.1 km · 48 sec · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Broadway Street: Airport
2340 ft · 1 min
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14
Turn left onto Airport Boulevard
1496 ft · 36 sec · Airport Boulevard
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15
Turn right onto West Airline Highway
3 mi · 5 min · West Airline Highway
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16
Turn left onto Logan Avenue
6.9 mi · 8 min · Logan Avenue
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17
Continue on Larrabee Avenue
11.3 mi · 13 min · Larrabee Avenue
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18
Turn right onto 170th Street
3.5 mi · 5 min · 170th Street
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19
Continue on 7th Avenue Southwest
2681 ft · 51 sec · 7th Avenue Southwest
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20
Turn left onto South Main Street
2086 ft · 35 sec · South Main Street
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21
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 Tripoli.
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 East
Merge slight left
53.9 mi · 01h 02m
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.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Ames and Chance Rain Showers near Tripoli.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Tripoli?
The road trip is about 122.4 miles (197 km) and usually takes 02h 30m 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?
Wellsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.1 miles from Ames and 61.3 miles from Tripoli.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 87.6 miles (141 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.8 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 1:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.29 one way or $32.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ames and Chance Rain Showers near Tripoli.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Tripoli. Straight-line distance: 87.63 mi (141.02 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 Tripoli
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,375 |
| Coordinates | 42.8080400, -92.2582300 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tripoli (-92.25823, 42.80804)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 197 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.29 | $32.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.37 | $36.75 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.11 | $40.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.91 | $45.83 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.