How far is Ames, IA from Windsor Heights, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Windsor Heights, IA is about 39.9 miles (64.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 30.5 miles (49.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 40m 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 00h 50m.
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.
American city in 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 Windsor Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Windsor Heights.
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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
25.7 mi · 28 min
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4
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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5
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 36 sec
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7
Turn right onto 63rd Street
2470 ft · 1 min · 63rd Street
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8
Turn left onto University Avenue
1423 ft · 42 sec · University Avenue
-
9
Turn left onto 66th Street
967 ft · 42 sec · 66th Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 66th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Windsor Heights.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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 Windsor Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Windsor Heights?
The road trip is about 39.9 miles (64.2 km) and usually takes 00h 50m 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?
Elkhart is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.9 miles from Ames and 19.9 miles from Windsor Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 30.5 miles (49.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.4 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 4:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.32 one way or $10.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Windsor Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Elkhart
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Elkhart.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Windsor Heights. Straight-line distance: 30.53 mi (49.13 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 Windsor Heights
City in Polk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 4,735 |
| Coordinates | 41.5977700, -93.7082800 |
| Altitude | 262 |
| Country | United States |
End: Windsor Heights (-93.70828, 41.59777)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 64 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.32 | $10.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.00 | $11.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.56 | $13.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.48 | $14.96 |
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.