How far is Cresco, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Cresco, IA to Ames, IA is about 159.7 miles (257 km), with a travel time of about 02h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 120.4 miles (193.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 18m 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 39m.
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.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cresco and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cresco and Ames.
-
1
Start on 8th Avenue East
1678 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue East
-
2
Turn left onto 3rd Street West
3257 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street West
-
3
Continue on 3rd Street Southwest
774 ft · 20 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
-
4
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
-
5
Continue on State Highway 9
20.6 mi · 28 min · State Highway 9
-
6
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · East Main Street
-
7
Continue on Highway 9
1.2 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
-
8
Continue on State Highway 9
12.3 mi · 17 min · State Highway 9
-
9
Turn left
11.2 mi · 16 min
-
10
Take the ramp left toward US 18 east, IA 27 north: Mason City
1560 ft · 43 sec
-
11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
30.8 mi · 36 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
12
Take the exit slight left toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
-
13
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
-
14
Merge slight left
76.3 mi · 1 hr 22 min
-
15
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 51 sec
-
16
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cresco 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 South
Merge slight left
76.3 mi · 01h 22m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Cresco 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 Cresco to Ames?
The road trip is about 159.7 miles (257 km) and usually takes 02h 39m 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?
Clear Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.8 miles from Cresco and 79.8 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 120.4 miles (193.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.3 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 1:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.23 one way or $42.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Cresco and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cresco and Ames. Straight-line distance: 120.42 mi (193.8 km).
#1 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| 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: 257 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.23 | $42.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.94 | $47.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.20 | $52.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.86 | $59.72 |
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 · Apr 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.