How far is Elk Run Heights, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Elk Run Heights, IA to Ames, IA is about 101.8 miles (163.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 75.9 miles (122.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 15m 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 37m.
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.
Human settlement in Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elk Run Heights and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elk Run Heights and Ames.
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1
Start on Gilbertville Road
3002 ft · 1 min · Gilbertville Road
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2
Turn right onto Evansdale Drive
1143 ft · 23 sec · Evansdale Drive
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3
Take the ramp slight right
1766 ft · 43 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
2.5 mi · 3 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
66.5 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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7
Merge slight left
28.6 mi · 31 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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9
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elk Run Heights and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
66.5 mi · 01h 17m
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 Elk Run Heights and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elk Run Heights to Ames?
The road trip is about 101.8 miles (163.8 km) and usually takes 01h 37m 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50.8 miles from Elk Run Heights and 51 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 75.9 miles (122.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.9 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 3:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.54 one way or $27.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Elk Run Heights and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elk Run Heights and Ames. Straight-line distance: 75.85 mi (122.07 km).
#1 Elk Run Heights
City in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,135 |
| Coordinates | 42.4669300, -92.2565700 |
| Altitude | 259 |
| 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: 164 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.54 | $27.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.27 | $30.54 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.71 | $33.42 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.04 | $38.08 |
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 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.