How far is Lenox, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Lenox, IA to Ames, IA is about 126.6 miles (203.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 93.4 miles (150.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 23m 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 11m.
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 Madison County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lenox and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lenox and Ames.
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1
Start on North Maple Street
1399 ft · 1 min · North Maple Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Van Buren Street
3007 ft · 1 min · West Van Buren Street
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3
Continue on 110th Street
4.2 mi · 7 min · 110th Street
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4
Turn left onto State Highway 25
1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 25
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5
Continue on Adams-Union Avenue
5.5 mi · 8 min · Adams-Union Avenue
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6
Turn right
38.5 mi · 55 min
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7
Take the ramp right toward I-35 north: Des Moines
1219 ft · 30 sec
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8
Merge slight left
53.1 mi · 58 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
27 mi · 30 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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11
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lenox 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.
I-35 north
Merge slight left
53.1 mi · 00h 58m
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 Lenox and 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 Lenox to Ames?
The road trip is about 126.6 miles (203.8 km) and usually takes 02h 11m 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?
Saint Charles is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66.6 miles from Lenox and 60 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 93.4 miles (150.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.2 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 2:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.86 one way or $33.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Lenox and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Saint Charles
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 Saint Charles.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lenox and Ames. Straight-line distance: 93.41 mi (150.33 km).
#1 Lenox
Human settlement in Taylor County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,386 |
| Coordinates | 40.8816500, -94.5619100 |
| Altitude | 395 |
| 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: 204 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.86 | $33.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.01 | $38.02 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.80 | $41.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.71 | $47.42 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.