How far is Belle Plaine, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Belle Plaine, IA to Ames, IA is about 76.2 miles (122.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 69.6 miles (112 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.
City in Marshal County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Belle Plaine and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Belle Plaine and Ames.
-
1
Start on 7th Avenue
14 m · 6 sec · 7th Avenue
-
2
Turn left onto 13th Street
5.4 mi · 8 min · 13th Street
-
3
Take the ramp left
1770 ft · 49 sec
-
4
Merge slight left onto 73rd Street
786 ft · 10 sec · 73rd Street
-
5
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
-
7
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
-
9
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
-
10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Belle Plaine 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.
Lincoln Highway
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 01h 16m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Belle Plaine and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Belle Plaine to Ames?
The road trip is about 76.2 miles (122.6 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?
Marshalltown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 38.1 miles from Belle Plaine and 38.1 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 69.6 miles (112 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.6 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 $10.14 one way or $20.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Belle Plaine and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Belle Plaine and Ames. Straight-line distance: 69.58 mi (111.98 km).
#1 Belle Plaine
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,417 |
| Coordinates | 41.8969400, -92.2782400 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| 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: 123 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 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 | $10.14 | $20.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.44 | $22.88 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.52 | $25.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.27 | $28.54 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.