How far is Hudson, IA from Ames, IA?

The driving distance from Hudson, IA to Ames, IA is about 94.4 miles (152 km), with a travel time of about 01h 30m by car.

  • The straight-line flight distance is about 64.9 miles (104.4 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 01m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
  • A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
94.48 mi
01h 30m
Flight
64.89 mi
104.43 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Hudson.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
64.89 mi
Kilometers
104.43 km
Flight Time
00h 07m

Driving Distance

Road route
94.48 mi
Kilometers
152.05 km
Drive Time
01h 30m

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 01h 30m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Ames
Tue, Apr 14, 9:15 PM CDT
Return by in Hudson
Tue, Apr 14, 10:46 PM CDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Hudson
2026-04-14T19:45
Arrive Ames
Tue, Apr 14, 9:15 PM CDT
Route Timing
01h 30m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
9:31 AM to 11:31 AM CDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
3:28 PM CDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Hudson
9:30 PM CDT
Morning start is best

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.

Mid-route stop
Owasa
IA

Human settlement in Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America

From Hudson
47.2 mi
00h 45m
To Ames
47.3 mi
00h 45m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
79°F
Tuesday

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

Starts
Tue, Apr 14 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
10 to 16 mph SSW
Destination
74°F
Tuesday

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

Starts
Tue, Apr 14 1:00 AM CDT
Wind
8 to 16 mph SW

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Hudson and Ames.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hudson and Ames.

  1. 1

    Start on North Jefferson Street

    16 m · 4 sec · North Jefferson Street

  2. 2

    Turn right onto 5th Street

    1849 ft · 37 sec · 5th Street

  3. 3

    Turn right onto South Hudson Road

    4.2 mi · 6 min · South Hudson Road

  4. 4

    Turn left

    2100 ft · 51 sec

  5. 5

    Merge slight left

    57.8 mi · 1 hr 7 min

  6. 6

    Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines

    1612 ft · 55 sec

  7. 7

    Merge slight left

    28.6 mi · 31 min

  8. 8

    Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs

    2063 ft · 53 sec

  9. 9

    Turn right onto East 13th Street

    2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street

  10. 10

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Hudson and Ames.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Straightforward drive

The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.

Directions
10 steps
4 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
4
2 merges, 2 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
10.6 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
South Hudson Road
62 mi · 66%
I 35 South
28.9 mi · 31%
East 13th Street
2.44 mi · 3%
I 35 Business
0.39 mi
5th Street
0.35 mi
North Jefferson Street
0.01 mi
Longest Stretch

South Hudson Road

Merge slight left

57.8 mi · 01h 07m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
01h 30m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
03h 02m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+29.5 mi
64.9 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Owasa
00h 45m from Hudson
Leave By
3:28 PM CDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Hudson and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Hudson to Ames?

The road trip is about 94.4 miles (152 km) and usually takes 01h 30m 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?

Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.2 miles from Hudson and 47.3 miles from Ames.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 64.9 miles (104.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.5 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 3:28 PM CDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.56 one way or $25.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 29.6 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Hudson and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Hudson and Ames. Straight-line distance: 64.89 mi (104.43 km).

Hudson

#1 Hudson

City in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States

Population2,473
Coordinates42.4066500, -92.4554700
Altitude275
CountryUnited States
Ames

#2 Ames

The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.

Population67,033
Coordinates42.0347100, -93.6199400
Altitude287
CountryUnited States
Start: North Jefferson Street (-92.455515, 42.406657)
End: 13th Street (-93.619967, 42.034517)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 152 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)03h 08m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)02h 21m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)01h 53m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)01h 34m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)01h 20m
80 mph (129 km/h)01h 10m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
3.33 gal
12.62 L · about $12.56
Round trip
$25.11
6.66 gal · 25.24 L
Estimated CO2
29.6 kg one way
Round trip: 59.2 kg / 131 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $3.77 $12.56 $25.11
Mid-grade $4.25 $14.16 $28.32
Premium $4.65 $15.50 $31.00
Diesel $5.30 $17.66 $35.32

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 15, 2026

There is no time difference between Hudson and Ames. The current time is 19:45:05.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.