How far is North Liberty, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from North Liberty, IA to Ames, IA is about 118.7 miles (191.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.8 miles (170.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 55m 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 57m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Tokyo, Japan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between North Liberty and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Liberty and Ames.
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1
Start on North Dubuque Street
48 m · 5 sec · North Dubuque Street
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2
Continue on North Front Street
854 ft · 28 sec · North Front Street
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward West Penn Street
56 m · 4 sec · West Penn Street
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4
Exit the rotary onto West Penn Street
2.2 mi · 4 min · West Penn Street
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5
Take the ramp right toward I 380 North, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids
1601 ft · 39 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
12 mi · 13 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West, US 151 South, US 218 North: Tama
33.7 mi · 40 min
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8
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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12
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between North Liberty 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.
Lincoln Highway
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 01h 16m
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 North Liberty and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from North Liberty to Ames?
The road trip is about 118.7 miles (191.1 km) and usually takes 01h 57m 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?
Tama is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.3 miles from North Liberty and 59.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.8 miles (170.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.9 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 2:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.80 one way or $31.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around North Liberty and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Tama
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 Tama.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between North Liberty and Ames. Straight-line distance: 105.85 mi (170.35 km).
#1 North Liberty
City in Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 19,736 |
| Coordinates | 41.7491800, -91.5979500 |
| Altitude | 238 |
| 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: 191 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.80 | $31.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.82 | $35.64 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.50 | $39.00 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.22 | $44.45 |
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.