How far is Lake City, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Lake City, IA to Ames, IA is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 59.3 miles (95.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 50m 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 25m.
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 Greene County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake City and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake City and Ames.
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1
Start on North Center Street
14 m · 7 sec · North Center Street
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2
Turn left onto East Main Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
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3
Continue on 360th Street
7 mi · 10 min · 360th Street
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4
Continue on 5th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 5th Street
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5
Continue on 360th Street
14.9 mi · 20 min · 360th Street
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6
Turn right onto Indiana Avenue
4 mi · 5 min · Indiana Avenue
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7
Continue on U Avenue
6.8 mi · 9 min · U Avenue
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8
Continue on Mc Intyre Street
1 km · 1 min · Mc Intyre Street
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9
Continue on U Avenue
4.4 mi · 6 min · U Avenue
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10
Continue on 9th Street North
919 ft · 26 sec · 9th Street North
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11
Turn left onto 220th Street
23.9 mi · 31 min · 220th Street
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12
Continue on 230th Street
7.6 mi · 9 min · 230th Street
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Iowa State University
1521 ft · 39 sec
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14
Turn left onto University Boulevard
1.2 mi · 2 min · University Boulevard
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15
Turn right onto South 4th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South 4th Street
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16
Turn left onto South Grand Avenue
1330 ft · 40 sec · South Grand Avenue
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17
Continue on Grand Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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18
Turn right onto 13th Street
36 m · 3 sec · 13th Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake City 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
Turn left onto 220th Street
23.9 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.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Lake 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 Lake City to Ames?
The road trip is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km) and usually takes 01h 25m 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?
Dana is a useful midpoint, sitting about 37.9 miles from Lake City and 35.5 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 59.3 miles (95.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.1 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 3:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.77 one way or $19.53 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Lake City and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Dana
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 Dana.
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake City and Ames. Straight-line distance: 59.29 mi (95.41 km).
#1 Lake City
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,642 |
| Coordinates | 42.2674800, -94.7338700 |
| Altitude | 378 |
| 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: 118 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.77 | $19.53 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.02 | $22.03 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.05 | $24.11 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.74 | $27.47 |
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.