How far is Denison, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Denison, IA to Ames, IA is about 93.8 miles (150.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 89 miles (143.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 42m 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 01h 51m.
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.
Township in Greene County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Denison and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Denison and Ames.
-
1
Start on North Main Street
1961 ft · 1 min · North Main Street
-
2
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
29.4 mi · 43 min · 4th Avenue South
-
3
Continue on County Road N33
10.3 mi · 14 min · County Road N33
-
4
Continue on 220th Street
44.4 mi · 59 min · 220th Street
-
5
Continue on 230th Street
7.6 mi · 9 min · 230th Street
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward Iowa State University
1521 ft · 39 sec
-
7
Turn left onto University Boulevard
1.2 mi · 2 min · University Boulevard
-
8
Turn right onto South 4th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South 4th Street
-
9
Turn left onto South Grand Avenue
1330 ft · 40 sec · South Grand Avenue
-
10
Continue on Grand Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
-
11
Turn right onto 13th Street
36 m · 3 sec · 13th Street
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Denison and Ames.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
220th Street
Continue on 220th Street
44.4 mi · 00h 59m
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 Denison and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Denison to Ames?
The road trip is about 93.8 miles (150.9 km) and usually takes 01h 51m 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?
Scranton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.5 miles from Denison and 46.2 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 89 miles (143.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.8 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 2:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.48 one way or $24.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 29.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Denison and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Scranton
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 Scranton.
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Denison and Ames. Straight-line distance: 89.07 mi (143.35 km).
#1 Denison
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 8,249 |
| Coordinates | 42.0177700, -95.3552800 |
| Altitude | 391 |
| 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: 151 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.48 | $24.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.08 | $28.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.40 | $30.81 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.56 | $35.11 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.