How far is Clinton, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Clinton, IA to Ames, IA is about 184.7 miles (297.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 176.8 miles (284.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 18m 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 09m.
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 Benton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clinton and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clinton and Ames.
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1
Start on 2nd Avenue South
1.4 km · 2 min · 2nd Avenue South
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2
Turn left onto South Bluff Boulevard
1.4 mi · 2 min · South Bluff Boulevard
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3
Turn straight onto Manufacturing Drive
1.6 mi · 3 min · Manufacturing Drive
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4
Turn right onto Lincoln Way
16.3 mi · 20 min · Lincoln Way
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5
Take the exit slight right
1.4 mi · 2 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
158.3 mi · 3 hr 12 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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10
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Clinton 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 Way
Take the exit slight right
158 mi · 03h 12m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Clinton 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 Clinton to Ames?
The road trip is about 184.7 miles (297.2 km) and usually takes 03h 09m 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?
Atkins is a useful midpoint, sitting about 92 miles from Clinton and 92.6 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 176.8 miles (284.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.9 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 10:42 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.59 one way or $49.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Clinton and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Atkins
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 Atkins.
Mount Pleasant
Ottumwa station
Davenport, Iowa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clinton and Ames. Straight-line distance: 176.82 mi (284.57 km).
#1 Clinton
Clinton is a city in Clinton County, Iowa, United States, and the county seat.
| Population | 25,039 |
| Coordinates | 41.8444700, -90.1887400 |
| Altitude | 179 |
| 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: 297 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.59 | $49.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.73 | $55.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.34 | $60.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.58 | $69.16 |
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.