How far is Northwood, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Northwood, IA to Ames, IA is about 110.4 miles (177.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 99.5 miles (160.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 26m 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 43m.
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 Franklin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Northwood and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Northwood and Ames.
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1
Start on Central Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Central Avenue
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2
Continue on County Road 105
5.9 mi · 10 min · County Road 105
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3
Take the ramp sharp left
1936 ft · 47 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
100.5 mi · 1 hr 48 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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6
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Northwood 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.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
100 mi · 01h 48m
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 Northwood and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Northwood to Ames?
The road trip is about 110.4 miles (177.7 km) and usually takes 01h 43m 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?
Latimer is a useful midpoint, sitting about 55.2 miles from Northwood and 55.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 99.5 miles (160.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.9 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 3:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.71 one way or $29.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Northwood and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Northwood and Ames. Straight-line distance: 99.46 mi (160.07 km).
#1 Northwood
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,958 |
| Coordinates | 43.4441200, -93.2210400 |
| Altitude | 375 |
| 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: 178 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.71 | $29.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.59 | $33.17 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.15 | $36.30 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.69 | $41.37 |
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.