How far is Center Point, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Center Point, IA to Ames, IA is about 114.6 miles (184.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 94.6 miles (152.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 58m 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 59m.
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.
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 Center Point and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Center Point and Ames.
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1
Start on State Street
864 ft · 26 sec · State Street
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2
Turn right onto Franklin Street
1.2 km · 2 min · Franklin Street
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3
Continue on Lewis Access Road
1 mi · 2 min · Lewis Access Road
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4
Take the ramp sharp left
1995 ft · 49 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
10.8 mi · 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100
1286 ft · 31 sec
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7
Keep slight left
802 ft · 20 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on IA 100
1460 ft · 28 sec
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9
Keep slight right to continue on IA 100 West
1534 ft · 38 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Collins Road Northeast
8.2 mi · 9 min · Collins Road Northeast
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown
1.2 km · 1 min
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12
Merge slight left onto 16th Avenue Southwest
2.4 mi · 3 min · 16th Avenue Southwest
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13
Continue on 73rd Street
24.4 mi · 28 min · 73rd Street
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14
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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16
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 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 Center Point 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.
Sunny leaving Center Point and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Center Point to Ames?
The road trip is about 114.6 miles (184.5 km) and usually takes 01h 59m 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?
Tama is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60 miles from Center Point and 54.6 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 94.6 miles (152.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 20 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 2:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.23 one way or $30.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Center Point and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Tama
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 Tama.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Center Point and Ames. Straight-line distance: 94.65 mi (152.33 km).
#1 Center Point
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,560 |
| Coordinates | 42.1908300, -91.7851800 |
| Altitude | 250 |
| 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: 184 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.23 | $30.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.18 | $34.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.80 | $37.60 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.43 | $42.86 |
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 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.