How far is Houston, TX from Ames, TX?
The driving distance from Houston, TX to Ames, TX is about 45.5 miles (73.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 42.2 miles (67.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 50m 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 00h 55m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Houston and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Houston and Ames.
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1
Start on Louisiana Street
145 m · 20 sec · Louisiana Street
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2
Turn right onto Franklin Street
1678 ft · 1 min · Franklin Street
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3
Turn left onto San Jacinto Street
2319 ft · 49 sec · San Jacinto Street
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4
Turn straight onto Rothwell Street
106 m · 7 sec · Rothwell Street
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5
Take the ramp straight toward US 59 East, I 10 East
792 ft · 19 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto East Freeway
5.2 mi · 7 min · East Freeway
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7
Keep slight right to continue on Crosby Freeway
4.5 mi · 6 min · Crosby Freeway
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8
Turn straight onto Crosby Freeway
1.7 mi · 2 min · Crosby Freeway
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9
Take the exit straight toward US 90
1304 ft · 32 sec
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10
Continue on Crosby Freeway
9.2 mi · 11 min · Crosby Freeway
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11
Continue on Crosby Freeway
2.1 mi · 2 min · Crosby Freeway
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12
Continue on Beaumont Highway
5 mi · 6 min · Beaumont Highway
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13
Continue on US Highway 90
1.5 mi · 2 min · US Highway 90
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14
Continue on United States Highway 90 West
15 mi · 18 min · United States Highway 90 West
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15
Turn left onto Martin L King Street North
30 m · 3 sec · Martin L King Street North
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Martin L King Street North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Houston 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.
United States Highway 90 West
Continue on United States Highway 90 West
15 mi · 00h 18m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy leaving Houston and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Houston to Ames?
The road trip is about 45.5 miles (73.3 km) and usually takes 00h 55m 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?
Barrett is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.7 miles from Houston and 22.7 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 42.2 miles (67.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.08 one way or $12.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy around Houston and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Barrett
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old Pelly City Hall and Harris County Library Building
Baytown City Hall
City Of Humble Water Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Barrett.
Houston
Houston, TX
Galveston (Texas Eagle Bus), Texas
Prairie View, TX
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Houston and Ames. Straight-line distance: 42.2 mi (67.91 km).
#1 Houston
The fourth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Houston metropolitan area.
| Population | 2,316,120 |
| Coordinates | 29.7632800, -95.3632700 |
| Altitude | 12 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ames
City in Liberty County, Texas, United States
| Population | 1,064 |
| Coordinates | 30.0538300, -94.7435300 |
| Altitude | 22 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ames (-94.74353, 30.05383)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 73 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $6.08 | $12.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.85 | $13.69 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $7.39 | $14.78 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $6.43 | $12.86 |
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 Texas · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.