How far is Aplington, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Aplington, IA to Ames, IA is about 77 miles (123.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 53.4 miles (86 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 32m 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 16m.
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.
Township in Hardin County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Aplington and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Aplington and Ames.
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1
Start on Parrott Street
9.2 mi · 14 min · Parrott Street
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2
Continue on Hardin Street
1.5 km · 1 min · Hardin Street
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3
Turn slight left onto Butler Street
1.5 km · 2 min · Butler Street
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4
Continue on County Highway S56
5.9 mi · 11 min · County Highway S56
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5
Take the ramp left
1561 ft · 38 sec
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6
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 32 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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8
Merge slight left
28.6 mi · 31 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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10
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Aplington and Ames.
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
28.6 mi · 00h 31m
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 Aplington and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Aplington to Ames?
The road trip is about 77 miles (123.9 km) and usually takes 01h 16m 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?
Buckeye is a useful midpoint, sitting about 38.5 miles from Aplington and 38.5 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 53.4 miles (86 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.6 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 3:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.26 one way or $20.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Aplington and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Aplington and Ames. Straight-line distance: 53.42 mi (85.97 km).
#1 Aplington
Human settlement in Butler County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,039 |
| Coordinates | 42.5841500, -92.8843600 |
| Altitude | 297 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ames
The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,033 |
| Coordinates | 42.0347100, -93.6199400 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
End: 13th Street (-93.619967, 42.034517)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 124 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 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 | $10.26 | $20.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.57 | $23.14 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.66 | $25.32 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.43 | $28.85 |
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.