How far is Dallas, TX from Ames, TX?
The driving distance from Dallas, TX to Ames, TX is about 139.6 miles (224.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.1 miles (167.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 11m 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 35m.
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.
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dallas and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dallas and Ames.
-
1
Start on North Lamar Street
1233 ft · 34 sec · North Lamar Street
-
2
Turn right onto Elm Street
1125 ft · 31 sec · Elm Street
-
3
Continue on Elm Street
709 ft · 14 sec · Elm Street
-
4
Take the ramp straight toward I 30, I 35E
100 m · 8 sec
-
5
Keep slight left to continue on I 30 West, I 35E South
835 ft · 20 sec
-
6
Keep slight right to continue on I 35E South
101 m · 8 sec
-
7
Merge slight right onto South Stemmons Freeway
1.4 km · 1 min · South Stemmons Freeway
-
8
Continue on South R L Thornton Freeway
2866 ft · 44 sec · South R L Thornton Freeway
-
9
Continue on South R L Thornton Freeway
89.3 mi · 1 hr 32 min · South R L Thornton Freeway
-
10
Continue on North Jack Kultgen Expressway
4.3 mi · 5 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward Loop 396
1239 ft · 30 sec
-
12
Turn straight onto South Jack Kultgen Expressway
130 m · 12 sec · South Jack Kultgen Expressway
-
13
Turn right onto South Valley Mills Drive
1.4 mi · 3 min · South Valley Mills Drive
-
14
Take the exit slight right
1307 ft · 36 sec
-
15
Keep slight right to continue on South Valley Mills Drive
33 m · 5 sec · South Valley Mills Drive
-
16
Turn left onto Franklin Avenue
1.4 mi · 2 min · Franklin Avenue
-
17
Take the ramp straight
1381 ft · 22 sec
-
18
Keep slight left to continue on US 84
1092 ft · 17 sec
-
19
Merge slight left
32.3 mi · 39 min
-
20
Take the exit slight right
1962 ft · 45 sec
-
21
Turn straight onto North Highway 36 Bypass
3.1 mi · 4 min · North Highway 36 Bypass
-
22
Continue on State Highway 36
4.1 mi · 4 min · State Highway 36
-
23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 36th Division Memorial Highway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dallas 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.
South R L Thornton Freeway
Continue on South R L Thornton Freeway
89.3 mi · 01h 32m
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.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Dallas and Mostly Cloudy near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dallas to Ames?
The road trip is about 139.6 miles (224.7 km) and usually takes 02h 35m 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?
Abbott is a useful midpoint, sitting about 69.8 miles from Dallas and 69.7 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.1 miles (167.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.5 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 1:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.63 one way or $37.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Dallas and Mostly Cloudy near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Abbott
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Historic City Hall
Whitney City Hall
Town Hall Estates Nursing
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Abbott.
Waco, TX
Cleburne
McGregor
Temple
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dallas and Ames. Straight-line distance: 104.12 mi (167.57 km).
#1 Dallas
The ninth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
| Population | 1,343,266 |
| Coordinates | 32.7830600, -96.8066700 |
| Altitude | 128 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ames
City in Liberty County, Texas, United States
| Population | 1,275 |
| Coordinates | 31.5209900, -97.7794700 |
| Altitude | 281 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ames (-97.77947, 31.52099)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 225 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $18.63 | $37.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.96 | $41.92 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $22.63 | $45.27 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $19.69 | $39.37 |
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 Texas · 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.