How far is Colfax, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Colfax, IA to Ames, IA is about 47.5 miles (76.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 31.3 miles (50.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 34m 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 00h 47m.
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.
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Colfax and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Colfax and Ames.
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1
Start on East Howard Street
17 m · 4 sec · East Howard Street
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2
Turn right onto North Walnut Street
730 ft · 12 sec · North Walnut Street
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3
Continue on State Highway 117
1.5 km · 1 min · State Highway 117
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4
Take the ramp left
1758 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
15.8 mi · 17 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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7
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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8
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 28 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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11
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Colfax 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.
I 35 North
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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 leaving Colfax and Partly Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Colfax to Ames?
The road trip is about 47.5 miles (76.4 km) and usually takes 00h 47m 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?
Ankeny is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.6 miles from Colfax and 23.8 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 31.3 miles (50.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.2 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 4:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.30 one way or $12.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Colfax and Partly Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Ankeny
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 Ankeny.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Colfax and Ames. Straight-line distance: 31.3 mi (50.38 km).
#1 Colfax
City in Jasper County, Iowa
| Population | 2,050 |
| Coordinates | 41.6777700, -93.2452000 |
| Altitude | 244 |
| 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: 76 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.30 | $12.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.10 | $14.21 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.77 | $15.54 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.86 | $17.72 |
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 · May 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.