How far is Ida Grove, IA from Ames, IA?
Fastest route
The route from Ida Grove, Iowa to Ames, Iowa takes approximately 2 hours and 8 minutes and covers a distance of 116 miles via US-30 E. The fastest route is recommended due to traffic conditions.
Directions
To get from Ida Grove to Ames, follow these directions:
- Head northeast on Moorehead Ave toward Jacobs Ave.
- Turn right onto IA-175 E/US-59 S and continue to follow IA-175 E.
- Follow IA-175 E until you reach U. S. Hwy 71 S in Sac County.
- Turn right onto U. S. Hwy 71 S and continue on this road.
- Turn right to stay on U. S. Hwy 71 S.
- Take Noble Ave to US-30 E in Carroll.
- Turn right onto Noble Ave and then follow US-30 E.
- Take exit 146 from US-30 E for S University Blvd toward Iowa State Univ.
- Continue on S University Blvd until you reach your destination.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Ensure you have enough fuel for the journey.
- ⚠️ Keep an eye on traffic conditions and consider using real-time navigation apps for updates.
- 🗺 Familiarize yourself with the route beforehand to avoid confusion.
- 📅 Plan your trip according to the time it takes to reach your destination.
- 🛣 Follow the road signs and signals for a safe journey.
- 🚦 Observe speed limits and drive responsibly.
- 📱 Carry a mobile phone for emergencies or in case you need assistance.
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 09m.
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 Carroll County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ida Grove and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ida Grove and Ames.
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1
Start on 2nd Street
34 m · 8 sec · 2nd Street
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2
Turn left onto Main Street
80 m · 5 sec · Main Street
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3
Continue on Moorehead Avenue
1888 ft · 42 sec · Moorehead Avenue
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4
Turn right
2 mi · 3 min
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5
Continue on State Highway 175
6.3 mi · 9 min · State Highway 175
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6
Continue on 325th Street
3 mi · 4 min · 325th Street
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7
Continue on Market Street
1 mi · 2 min · Market Street
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8
Continue on 330th Street
14.9 mi · 21 min · 330th Street
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9
Turn right onto Union Avenue
3.7 mi · 5 min · Union Avenue
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10
Continue on Union Avenue
3.2 mi · 4 min · Union Avenue
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11
Continue on Hawthorne Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · Hawthorne Avenue
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12
Turn left onto 120th Street
4 mi · 6 min · 120th Street
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13
Turn right
6.1 mi · 8 min
-
14
Turn left onto 180th Street
2651 ft · 56 sec · 180th Street
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15
Continue on 30th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · 30th Street
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16
Continue on 180th Street
2617 ft · 45 sec · 180th Street
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17
Turn right onto Noble Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · Noble Avenue
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18
Turn left onto US 30
1.6 km · 1 min · US 30
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19
Continue on County Road N33
10.3 mi · 14 min · County Road N33
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20
Continue on 220th Street
44.4 mi · 59 min · 220th Street
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21
Continue on 230th Street
7.6 mi · 9 min · 230th Street
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22
Take the exit slight right toward Iowa State University
1521 ft · 39 sec
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23
Turn left onto University Boulevard
1.2 mi · 2 min · University Boulevard
-
24
Turn right onto South 4th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South 4th Street
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25
Turn left onto South Grand Avenue
1330 ft · 40 sec · South Grand Avenue
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26
Continue on Grand Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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27
Turn right onto 13th Street
36 m · 3 sec · 13th Street
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28
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ida Grove and Ames.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
220th Street
Continue on 220th Street
44.4 mi · 00h 59m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ida Grove 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 Ida Grove to Ames?
The road trip is about 115.5 miles (185.8 km) and usually takes 02h 09m 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?
Glidden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.4 miles from Ida Grove and 57.1 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 97.2 miles (156.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.3 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 2:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.35 one way or $30.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ida Grove and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Glidden
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Glidden.
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ida Grove and Ames. Straight-line distance: 97.19 mi (156.41 km).
#1 Ida Grove
City in Ida County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,037 |
| Coordinates | 42.3449900, -95.4716700 |
| Altitude | 376 |
| 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: 186 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.35 | $30.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.31 | $34.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.94 | $37.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.59 | $43.17 |
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.