How far is Lake Mills, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Lake Mills, IA to Ames, IA is about 111.1 miles (178.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 95.8 miles (154.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 30m 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 45m.
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 Franklin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Mills and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Mills and Ames.
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1
Start on West Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · West Main Street
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2
Continue on County Highway 105
1 mi · 2 min · County Highway 105
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3
Continue on County Road 105
1.5 mi · 3 min · County Road 105
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4
Turn right onto Bluebill Avenue
3.7 mi · 5 min · Bluebill Avenue
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5
Continue on North Western Street
1 mi · 2 min · North Western Street
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6
Turn left onto 410th Street
5.4 mi · 9 min · 410th Street
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7
Take the ramp right toward Blanco River
1709 ft · 42 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
94.5 mi · 1 hr 41 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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10
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 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 Lake Mills 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.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
94.5 mi · 01h 41m
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 Lake Mills and Partly Sunny then 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 Lake Mills to Ames?
The road trip is about 111.1 miles (178.8 km) and usually takes 01h 45m 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?
Latimer is a useful midpoint, sitting about 55.6 miles from Lake Mills and 55.6 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 95.8 miles (154.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.3 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 3:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.78 one way or $29.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Lake Mills and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Mills and Ames. Straight-line distance: 95.77 mi (154.13 km).
#1 Lake Mills
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,987 |
| Coordinates | 43.4194000, -93.5332700 |
| Altitude | 393 |
| 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: 179 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.78 | $29.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.67 | $33.34 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.24 | $36.49 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.79 | $41.58 |
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.