How far is Fairbank, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Fairbank, IA to Ames, IA is about 124.5 miles (200.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.5 miles (145.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 05m 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 02m.
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 Grundy County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Fairbank and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairbank and Ames.
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1
Start on 4th Street South
21 m · 7 sec · 4th Street South
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2
Turn left onto Main Street East
2641 ft · 50 sec · Main Street East
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3
Turn left onto Walnut Street South
1687 ft · 52 sec · Walnut Street South
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4
Continue on Baxter Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Baxter Avenue
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Baxter Avenue
41 m · 3 sec · Baxter Avenue
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6
Exit the roundabout onto Baxter Avenue
9 mi · 12 min · Baxter Avenue
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7
Continue on Main Street
1.6 km · 2 min · Main Street
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8
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Street
1395 ft · 30 sec · South Street
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9
Turn right onto Benson Shady Grove Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Benson Shady Grove Avenue
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10
Take the ramp right
1871 ft · 46 sec
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11
Merge slight left
12.7 mi · 15 min
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12
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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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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14
Merge slight left
28.6 mi · 31 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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16
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairbank 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 Fairbank and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fairbank to Ames?
The road trip is about 124.5 miles (200.3 km) and usually takes 02h 02m 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?
Wellsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.5 miles from Fairbank and 62 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.5 miles (145.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 34 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 2:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.55 one way or $33.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fairbank and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fairbank and Ames. Straight-line distance: 90.53 mi (145.7 km).
#1 Fairbank
City in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,132 |
| Coordinates | 42.6391500, -92.0471200 |
| Altitude | 301 |
| 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: 200 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.55 | $33.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.67 | $37.34 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.43 | $40.86 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.28 | $46.57 |
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.