How far is Melcher-Dallas, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Melcher-Dallas, IA to Ames, IA is about 71 miles (114.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 59.3 miles (95.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 25m 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 12m.
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.
American city in Iowa
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 Melcher-Dallas and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Melcher-Dallas and Ames.
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1
Start on Northeast Main Street
141 m · 15 sec · Northeast Main Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto B Street Northwest
112 m · 10 sec · B Street Northwest
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3
Turn right onto 1st Street Northwest
141 m · 9 sec · 1st Street Northwest
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4
Continue on County Road S45
9.2 mi · 16 min · County Road S45
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5
Continue straight
621 ft · 8 sec
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6
Continue on State Highway 5
18.2 mi · 21 min · State Highway 5
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7
Take the exit slight right
2879 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
10.3 mi · 12 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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9
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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12
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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13
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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14
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 28 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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16
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Melcher-Dallas 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 onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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 Melcher-Dallas 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 Melcher-Dallas to Ames?
The road trip is about 71 miles (114.2 km) and usually takes 01h 12m 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?
Pleasant Hill is a useful midpoint, sitting about 35.4 miles from Melcher-Dallas 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 11.7 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 4:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.43 one way or $18.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Melcher-Dallas and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Pleasant Hill
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 Pleasant Hill.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Melcher-Dallas and Ames. Straight-line distance: 59.27 mi (95.38 km).
#1 Melcher-Dallas
City in Marion County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,236 |
| Coordinates | 41.2250000, -93.2413200 |
| Altitude | 289 |
| 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: 114 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.43 | $18.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.63 | $21.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.64 | $23.27 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.26 | $26.52 |
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.