How far is Le Mars, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Le Mars, IA to Ames, IA is about 182.1 miles (293.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 140.1 miles (225.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 03m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 01m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Calhoun County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Le Mars and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Le Mars and Ames.
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1
Start on 1st Street Northeast
1719 ft · 1 min · 1st Street Northeast
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2
Turn left onto 5th Avenue Northeast
617 ft · 16 sec · 5th Avenue Northeast
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3
Continue on Lincoln Street Northeast
1.1 km · 1 min · Lincoln Street Northeast
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4
Continue on State Highway 3
4.7 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
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5
Turn right onto County Road K64
5 mi · 7 min · County Road K64
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6
Continue on Oyens Avenue
7 mi · 10 min · Oyens Avenue
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7
Turn left onto C 60
2 mi · 3 min · C 60
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8
Turn right onto County Road C66
2.4 mi · 3 min · County Road C66
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9
Continue on 310th Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 310th Street
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10
Turn straight onto County Highway C66
1.3 km · 1 min · County Highway C66
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11
Continue on Main Street
1311 ft · 52 sec · Main Street
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12
Turn left onto East 3rd Street
2663 ft · 1 min · East 3rd Street
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13
Continue on 320th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 320th Street
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14
Turn right onto Shamrock Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · Shamrock Avenue
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15
Continue on Lee Avenue
5.4 mi · 8 min · Lee Avenue
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16
Turn left onto Highway 20
19 mi · 23 min · Highway 20
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17
Continue on United States Highway 20
8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
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18
Continue on 220th Street
93.4 mi · 1 hr 48 min · 220th Street
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19
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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20
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 30 min
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21
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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22
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Le Mars 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
Continue on 220th Street
93.4 mi · 01h 48m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Le Mars and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Le Mars to Ames?
The road trip is about 182.1 miles (293.1 km) and usually takes 03h 01m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Jolley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 93.3 miles from Le Mars and 88.8 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 140.1 miles (225.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 42 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.25 one way or $48.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Le Mars and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Le Mars and Ames. Straight-line distance: 140.05 mi (225.39 km).
#1 Le Mars
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,195 |
| Coordinates | 42.7941600, -96.1655800 |
| Altitude | 376 |
| 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: 293 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.25 | $48.50 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.35 | $54.69 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.93 | $59.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.10 | $68.21 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.