How far is Milford, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Milford, IA to Ames, IA is about 167.4 miles (269.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 118.2 miles (190.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 47m 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 53m.
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 and county seat of Calhoun County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Milford and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Milford and Ames.
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1
Start on Okoboji Avenue
11.8 mi · 15 min · Okoboji Avenue
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2
Continue on Grand Avenue
1 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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3
Turn right onto West 8th Street
117 m · 13 sec · West 8th Street
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4
Turn left onto 1st Avenue West
2264 ft · 50 sec · 1st Avenue West
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5
At the end of the road, turn left onto West 2nd Street
119 m · 12 sec · West 2nd Street
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6
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1961 ft · 1 min · Grand Avenue
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7
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 39 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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8
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 56 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
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9
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2652 ft · 58 sec · 11th Street Southwest
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10
Turn left onto 11th Avenue Southwest
1.5 mi · 2 min · 11th Avenue Southwest
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11
Continue on 215th Avenue
13.4 mi · 18 min · 215th Avenue
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12
Continue on 130th Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · 130th Avenue
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13
Continue on County Highway 71
1.1 mi · 2 min · County Highway 71
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14
Continue on 130th Avenue
27.8 mi · 38 min · 130th Avenue
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15
Continue on US 71
1014 ft · 20 sec · US 71
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16
Take the exit left toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
1841 ft · 51 sec
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17
Merge slight left
80.8 mi · 1 hr 33 min
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18
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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19
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 30 min
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20
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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21
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Milford 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.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
80.8 mi · 01h 33m
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.
Sunny leaving Milford 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 Milford to Ames?
The road trip is about 167.4 miles (269.4 km) and usually takes 02h 53m 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?
Rockwell City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.4 miles from Milford and 81 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 118.2 miles (190.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 49.2 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 12:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.29 one way or $44.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Milford and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Milford and Ames. Straight-line distance: 118.25 mi (190.3 km).
#1 Milford
City in Dickinson County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 3,043 |
| Coordinates | 43.3246900, -95.1500000 |
| Altitude | 439 |
| 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: 269 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.29 | $44.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.14 | $50.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.51 | $55.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.35 | $62.69 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.