How far is Fairfield, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Fairfield, IA to Ames, IA is about 142 miles (228.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 111.2 miles (179 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 34m 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 17m.
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 Marion County, Iowa, United States
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 Fairfield and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield and Ames.
-
1
Start on East Briggs Avenue
662 ft · 34 sec · East Briggs Avenue
-
2
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
717 ft · 18 sec · North 2nd Street
-
3
Turn right onto West Burlington Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · West Burlington Avenue
-
4
Continue on Old US 34
1.6 km · 2 min · Old US 34
-
5
Take the ramp right toward US 34, IA 163 West: Ottumwa
2240 ft · 55 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
32.5 mi · 38 min
-
7
Continue straight
69.4 mi · 1 hr 20 min
-
8
Take the exit right
2180 ft · 53 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
-
10
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
-
11
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
-
13
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
-
14
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
-
15
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 28 min
-
16
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
-
17
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairfield 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.
US 34
Continue straight
69.4 mi · 01h 20m
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 Fairfield and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fairfield to Ames?
The road trip is about 142 miles (228.5 km) and usually takes 02h 17m 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?
Pella is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.8 miles from Fairfield and 71.1 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 111.2 miles (179 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.8 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 1:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.89 one way or $37.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fairfield and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Pella
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Pella.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fairfield and Ames. Straight-line distance: 111.24 mi (179.03 km).
#1 Fairfield
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,500 |
| Coordinates | 41.0086300, -91.9626700 |
| Altitude | 236 |
| 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: 229 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.89 | $37.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.31 | $42.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.32 | $46.63 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.57 | $53.15 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.