How far is Elkader, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Elkader, IA to Ames, IA is about 168.3 miles (270.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.3 miles (203.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 30m 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 45m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elkader and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elkader and Ames.
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1
Start on South 1st Street
1177 ft · 20 sec · South 1st Street
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2
Continue on Strawberry Point Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Strawberry Point Road
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3
Turn right onto State Highway 13
13.1 mi · 18 min · State Highway 13
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4
Continue on Elkader Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Elkader Street
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5
Turn right onto West Mission Street
1.3 km · 1 min · West Mission Street
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6
Continue on State Highway 3
2.9 mi · 4 min · State Highway 3
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7
Continue on 40th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 40th Street
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward C Avenue
64 m · 3 sec · C Avenue
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9
Exit the roundabout onto C Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · C Avenue
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10
Continue on Washburn Avenue
12.3 mi · 17 min · Washburn Avenue
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11
Take the ramp right
1861 ft · 45 sec
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12
Merge slight left
33.8 mi · 39 min
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13
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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14
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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15
Merge slight left
28.6 mi · 31 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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17
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elkader 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 Elkader and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elkader to Ames?
The road trip is about 168.3 miles (270.8 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Dike is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84 miles from Elkader and 84.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.3 miles (203.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 42 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 1:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.40 one way or $44.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Elkader and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elkader and Ames. Straight-line distance: 126.29 mi (203.25 km).
#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: 271 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.40 | $44.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.26 | $50.53 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.64 | $55.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.51 | $63.01 |
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 · May 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.