How far is Burlington, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Burlington, IA to Ames, IA is about 196.7 miles (316.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 155.1 miles (249.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 13m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 06m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Wapello County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Burlington and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burlington and Ames.
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1
Start on South Central Avenue
2288 ft · 50 sec · South Central Avenue
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2
Continue on North Central Avenue
999 ft · 27 sec · North Central Avenue
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3
Take the ramp left toward US 34 West, IA 163 West
1573 ft · 27 sec
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4
Merge slight left
26.2 mi · 31 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 218, IA 27 North: Iowa City, Fairfield
1.3 km · 2 min
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
1.8 mi · 2 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Keep slight right
61.1 mi · 1 hr 11 min
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8
Continue straight
69.4 mi · 1 hr 20 min
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9
Take the exit right
2180 ft · 53 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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11
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
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12
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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14
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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15
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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16
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 28 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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18
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Burlington and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Continue straight
69.4 mi · 01h 20m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Burlington 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 Burlington to Ames?
The road trip is about 196.7 miles (316.5 km) and usually takes 03h 06m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Eddyville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98.2 miles from Burlington and 98.5 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 155.1 miles (249.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 41.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.17 one way or $52.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Burlington and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Eddyville
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 Eddyville.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Burlington and Ames. Straight-line distance: 155.11 mi (249.62 km).
#1 Burlington
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 24,516 |
| Coordinates | 40.8075400, -91.1129200 |
| Altitude | 185 |
| 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: 316 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.17 | $52.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.52 | $59.03 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.30 | $64.60 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.81 | $73.62 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.