How far is Leon, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Leon, IA to Ames, IA is about 105.3 miles (169.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 89.7 miles (144.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 22m 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 41m.
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 Warren County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Leon and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Leon and Ames.
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1
Start on Northwest Church Street
9.4 mi · 13 min · Northwest Church Street
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2
Turn left onto 120th Street
1.6 km · 2 min · 120th Street
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3
Continue on Line Street
1.2 km · 1 min · Line Street
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4
Take the ramp right toward Webb
1522 ft · 37 sec
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5
Merge slight left
63.7 mi · 1 hr 10 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
27 mi · 30 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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8
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Leon 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.
Webb
Merge slight left
63.7 mi · 01h 10m
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 Showers then Sunny leaving Leon 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 Leon to Ames?
The road trip is about 105.3 miles (169.5 km) and usually takes 01h 41m 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?
Cumming is a useful midpoint, sitting about 52.6 miles from Leon and 52.8 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 89.7 miles (144.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.6 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 3:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.99 one way or $27.98 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around Leon and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Cumming
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 Cumming.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Leon and Ames. Straight-line distance: 89.72 mi (144.39 km).
#1 Leon
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,808 |
| Coordinates | 40.7397200, -93.7477200 |
| Altitude | 343 |
| 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: 169 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.99 | $27.98 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.78 | $31.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.27 | $34.53 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.68 | $39.36 |
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.