How far is De Soto, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from De Soto, IA to Ames, IA is about 57.7 miles (92.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 40.1 miles (64.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 53m 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 56m.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between De Soto and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between De Soto and Ames.
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1
Start on Maple Street
808 ft · 38 sec · Maple Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto Guthrie Street
2686 ft · 53 sec · Guthrie Street
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3
Take the ramp right
2023 ft · 49 sec
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4
Merge slight left
12.1 mi · 13 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
14.4 mi · 17 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
27 mi · 30 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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8
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between De Soto 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
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
27 mi · 00h 30m
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.
Sunny leaving De Soto and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from De Soto to Ames?
The road trip is about 57.7 miles (92.8 km) and usually takes 00h 56m 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?
Saylorville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28.8 miles from De Soto and 28.9 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 40.1 miles (64.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.6 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 4:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.66 one way or $15.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around De Soto and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Saylorville
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 Saylorville.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between De Soto and Ames. Straight-line distance: 40.14 mi (64.6 km).
#1 De Soto
Human settlement in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,061 |
| Coordinates | 41.5316600, -94.0096700 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| 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: 93 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.66 | $15.31 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.63 | $17.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.45 | $18.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.77 | $21.53 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.