How far is La Porte City, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from La Porte City, IA to Ames, IA is about 100.4 miles (161.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 75.6 miles (121.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 25m 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 01h 42m.
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.
Human settlement in Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Porte City and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Porte City and Ames.
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1
Start on Commercial Street
9.3 mi · 14 min · Commercial Street
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2
Turn right onto 58th Street
5.2 mi · 8 min · 58th Street
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3
Turn left onto Holsted Street
14.9 mi · 21 min · Holsted Street
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4
Take the ramp right
1770 ft · 49 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto 73rd Street
786 ft · 10 sec · 73rd Street
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6
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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10
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Porte City 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.
Lincoln Highway
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 01h 16m
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 leaving La Porte City 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 La Porte City to Ames?
The road trip is about 100.4 miles (161.5 km) and usually takes 01h 42m 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?
Montour is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50.1 miles from La Porte City and 50.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 75.6 miles (121.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.8 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 3:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.35 one way or $26.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around La Porte City and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Montour
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 Montour.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Porte City and Ames. Straight-line distance: 75.63 mi (121.72 km).
#1 La Porte City
City in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 2,240 |
| Coordinates | 42.3149900, -92.1921300 |
| Altitude | 253 |
| 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: 161 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.35 | $26.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.06 | $30.11 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.48 | $32.95 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.78 | $37.55 |
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 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.