How far is Gilbert, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Gilbert, IA to Ames, IA is about 6.5 miles (10.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 5.2 miles (8.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 20m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 10m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
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 Gilbert and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gilbert and Ames.
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1
Start on 170th Street
29 m · 3 sec · 170th Street
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2
Continue on Mathews Drive
2547 ft · 1 min · Mathews Drive
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Mathews Drive
31 m · 3 sec · Mathews Drive
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4
Exit the roundabout onto Mathews Drive
526 ft · 15 sec · Mathews Drive
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5
Continue on 170th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · 170th Street
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6
Turn right
5 mi · 8 min
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7
Turn left onto 13th Street
36 m · 3 sec · 13th Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gilbert and Ames.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Longest stretch
Turn right
5.01 mi · 00h 08m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Gilbert and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gilbert to Ames?
The road trip is about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) and usually takes 00h 10m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Story City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 3.3 miles from Gilbert and 3.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 5.2 miles (8.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.3 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $0.87 one way or $1.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Gilbert and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gilbert and Ames. Straight-line distance: 5.22 mi (8.4 km).
#1 Gilbert
City in Story County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,152 |
| Coordinates | 42.1069300, -93.6496600 |
| Altitude | 302 |
| 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: 11 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $0.87 | $1.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $0.98 | $1.96 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $1.07 | $2.14 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $1.22 | $2.44 |
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.