How far is Baxter, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Baxter, IA to Ames, IA is about 40.2 miles (64.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28.1 miles (45.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 31m 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 45m.
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 Story County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Baxter and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Baxter and Ames.
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1
Start on South Main Street
2218 ft · 2 min · South Main Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto Buchanan Street
796 ft · 16 sec · Buchanan Street
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3
Continue on Highway F17 West
4.8 mi · 8 min · Highway F17 West
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4
Continue on County Highway F17
2.9 mi · 5 min · County Highway F17
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5
Turn right onto State Highway 117
105 m · 6 sec · State Highway 117
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6
Continue straight
13.6 mi · 20 min
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7
Take the ramp right
1468 ft · 40 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
13.2 mi · 15 min · Lincoln Highway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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12
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Baxter 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.
State Highway 117
Continue straight
13.6 mi · 00h 20m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Baxter and Partly Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Baxter to Ames?
The road trip is about 40.2 miles (64.7 km) and usually takes 00h 45m 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?
Colo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.1 miles from Baxter and 20.1 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28.1 miles (45.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.1 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 4:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.35 one way or $10.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Baxter and Partly Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Colo
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 Colo.
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Baxter and Ames. Straight-line distance: 28.06 mi (45.16 km).
#1 Baxter
Human settlement in Jasper County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,132 |
| Coordinates | 41.8261000, -93.1515900 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| 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: 65 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.35 | $10.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.04 | $12.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.61 | $13.22 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.53 | $15.06 |
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 · May 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.