How far is Kalona, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Kalona, IA to Ames, IA is about 141.7 miles (228 km), with a travel time of about 02h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.8 miles (170.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 40m 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 02h 20m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Jasper County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kalona and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kalona and Ames.
-
1
Start on B Avenue
11 m · 4 sec · B Avenue
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2
Turn right onto 5th Street
1014 ft · 50 sec · 5th Street
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3
Turn left onto East Avenue
2076 ft · 35 sec · East Avenue
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4
Turn right onto 1st Street
1.1 km · 1 min · 1st Street
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5
Continue on State Highway 1
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 1
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6
Continue on Highway 1 Southwest
4 mi · 6 min · Highway 1 Southwest
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7
Turn left onto 500th Street Southwest
1.8 mi · 3 min · 500th Street Southwest
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8
Turn right onto Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest
2.8 mi · 5 min · Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto Black Diamond Road Southwest
3.3 mi · 6 min · Black Diamond Road Southwest
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10
Turn right onto Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
2.8 mi · 5 min · Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
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11
Keep slight left to continue on Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
3.1 mi · 5 min · Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
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12
Continue on Black Hawk Avenue Northwest
154 m · 17 sec · Black Hawk Avenue Northwest
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13
Take the ramp left
1952 ft · 47 sec
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14
Merge slight left
91 mi · 1 hr 38 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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16
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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17
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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18
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 28 min
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19
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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20
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kalona and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Black Hawk Avenue Northwest
Merge slight left
91 mi · 01h 38m
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 Rain Showers then Sunny leaving Kalona and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kalona to Ames?
The road trip is about 141.7 miles (228 km) and usually takes 02h 20m 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?
Oakland Acres is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.7 miles from Kalona and 71 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.8 miles (170.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.9 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 1:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.86 one way or $37.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around Kalona and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Oakland Acres
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 Oakland Acres.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kalona and Ames. Straight-line distance: 105.75 mi (170.19 km).
#1 Kalona
Town in the U.
| Population | 2,560 |
| Coordinates | 41.4830700, -91.7060000 |
| Altitude | 201 |
| 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: 228 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.86 | $37.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.27 | $42.53 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.27 | $46.54 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.52 | $53.04 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.