How far is Arnolds Park, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Arnolds Park, IA to Ames, IA is about 168.6 miles (271.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 119.9 miles (193 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 00m 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 03h 00m.
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 Calhoun County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Arnolds Park and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Arnolds Park and Ames.
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1
Start on Kruse Beach
38 m · 11 sec · Kruse Beach
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2
Turn left onto Iowa Street
792 ft · 35 sec · Iowa Street
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3
Turn right onto Linden Drive
535 ft · 22 sec · Linden Drive
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4
Turn left onto Okoboji Grove Road North
15.4 mi · 23 min · Okoboji Grove Road North
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5
Continue on Grand Avenue
1 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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6
Turn right onto West 8th Street
117 m · 13 sec · West 8th Street
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7
Turn left onto 1st Avenue West
2264 ft · 50 sec · 1st Avenue West
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8
At the end of the road, turn left onto West 2nd Street
119 m · 12 sec · West 2nd Street
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9
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1961 ft · 1 min · Grand Avenue
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10
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 39 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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11
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 56 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
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12
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2652 ft · 58 sec · 11th Street Southwest
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13
Turn left onto 11th Avenue Southwest
1.5 mi · 2 min · 11th Avenue Southwest
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14
Continue on 215th Avenue
13.4 mi · 18 min · 215th Avenue
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15
Continue on 130th Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · 130th Avenue
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16
Continue on County Highway 71
1.1 mi · 2 min · County Highway 71
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17
Continue on 130th Avenue
27.8 mi · 38 min · 130th Avenue
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18
Continue on US 71
1014 ft · 20 sec · US 71
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19
Take the exit left toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
1841 ft · 51 sec
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20
Merge slight left
80.8 mi · 1 hr 33 min
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21
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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22
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 30 min
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23
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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24
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Arnolds Park 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.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
80.8 mi · 01h 33m
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 Arnolds Park and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Arnolds Park to Ames?
The road trip is about 168.6 miles (271.4 km) and usually takes 03h 00m 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?
Jolley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.3 miles from Arnolds Park and 80.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 119.9 miles (193 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.7 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 12:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.44 one way or $44.87 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Arnolds Park and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Arnolds Park and Ames. Straight-line distance: 119.91 mi (192.97 km).
#1 Arnolds Park
City in Dickinson County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,354 |
| Coordinates | 43.3727400, -95.1238800 |
| Altitude | 434 |
| 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: 271 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.44 | $44.87 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.31 | $50.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.69 | $55.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.56 | $63.12 |
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.