How far is Cedar Falls, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Cedar Falls, IA to Ames, IA is about 95.8 miles (154.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 69 miles (111.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 01m 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 30m.
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 Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cedar Falls and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Falls and Ames.
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1
Start on Main Street
16 m · 8 sec · Main Street
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2
Continue on Main Street
19 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
32 m · 2 sec · Main Street
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4
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Main Street
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Main Street
24 m · 2 sec · Main Street
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6
Exit the roundabout onto Main Street
993 ft · 22 sec · Main Street
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7
Turn right onto University Avenue
1.7 mi · 3 min · University Avenue
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward University Avenue
38 m · 3 sec · University Avenue
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9
Exit the roundabout onto University Avenue
3.5 mi · 5 min · University Avenue
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10
Continue on Grundy Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Grundy Road
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11
Take the ramp right
2235 ft · 54 sec
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12
Merge slight left
54.3 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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14
Merge slight left
28.6 mi · 31 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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16
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cedar Falls and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Grundy Road
Merge slight left
54.3 mi · 01h 03m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Cedar Falls and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cedar Falls to Ames?
The road trip is about 95.8 miles (154.1 km) and usually takes 01h 30m 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 46.7 miles from Cedar Falls and 49 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 69 miles (111.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.8 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 3:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.75 one way or $25.49 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Cedar Falls and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cedar Falls and Ames. Straight-line distance: 69.03 mi (111.09 km).
#1 Cedar Falls
The largest city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
| Population | 40,231 |
| Coordinates | 42.5277600, -92.4454700 |
| Altitude | 268 |
| 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: 154 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.75 | $25.49 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.38 | $28.75 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.73 | $31.46 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.93 | $35.86 |
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 27, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.