How far is Central City, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Central City, IA to Ames, IA is about 130.2 miles (209.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 108.1 miles (173.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 20m 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 02h 10m.
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 Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Central City and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Central City and Ames.
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1
Start on Main Street
1254 ft · 51 sec · Main Street
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2
Continue on West Maple Street
911 ft · 33 sec · West Maple Street
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3
Turn left onto Marion Road
13 mi · 16 min · Marion Road
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4
Turn right
15.2 mi · 19 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown
1.2 km · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left onto 16th Avenue Southwest
2.4 mi · 3 min · 16th Avenue Southwest
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7
Continue on 73rd Street
24.4 mi · 28 min · 73rd Street
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8
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 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 Central City and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Central City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Central City to Ames?
The road trip is about 130.2 miles (209.6 km) and usually takes 02h 10m 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?
Vining is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63.2 miles from Central City and 67.1 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 108.1 miles (173.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.1 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 2:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.35 one way or $34.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Central City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Vining
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 Vining.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Central City and Ames. Straight-line distance: 108.04 mi (173.88 km).
#1 Central City
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,296 |
| Coordinates | 42.2038800, -91.5240600 |
| Altitude | 254 |
| 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: 210 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.35 | $34.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.56 | $39.13 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.41 | $42.82 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.40 | $48.80 |
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.