How far is Iowa Falls, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa Falls, IA to Ames, IA is about 53.1 miles (85.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.6 miles (62.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 48m 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 54m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa Falls and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa Falls and Ames.
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1
Start on Commercial Street
101 m · 11 sec · Commercial Street
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2
Turn right onto East Rocksylvania Avenue
2967 ft · 1 min · East Rocksylvania Avenue
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3
Turn left onto Oak Street
5 mi · 8 min · Oak Street
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4
Take the ramp right toward US 20 West
1882 ft · 46 sec
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5
Merge slight left
15.4 mi · 18 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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7
Merge slight left
28.6 mi · 31 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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9
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa Falls 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.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
28.6 mi · 00h 31m
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.
Patchy Fog then Sunny leaving Iowa Falls and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa Falls to Ames?
The road trip is about 53.1 miles (85.5 km) and usually takes 00h 54m 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?
Ellsworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.5 miles from Iowa Falls and 26.6 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.6 miles (62.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.5 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 4:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.09 one way or $14.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Fog then Sunny around Iowa Falls and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa Falls and Ames. Straight-line distance: 38.61 mi (62.14 km).
#1 Iowa Falls
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 4,940 |
| Coordinates | 42.5224800, -93.2513100 |
| Altitude | 337 |
| 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: 86 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.09 | $14.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.00 | $15.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.75 | $17.50 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.97 | $19.94 |
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.