How far is Oakland, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Oakland, IA to Ames, IA is about 141.5 miles (227.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.5 miles (168.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 31m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
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 15m.
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 Dallas County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Oakland and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oakland and Ames.
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1
Start on Oakland Avenue
34 m · 7 sec · Oakland Avenue
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2
Turn left onto North Kearney Street
112 m · 17 sec · North Kearney Street
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3
Turn right
1.4 km · 2 min
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4
Turn left
6.4 mi · 9 min
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5
Keep slight left
7.5 mi · 11 min
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6
Take the ramp slight right
1377 ft · 34 sec
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7
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
14.4 mi · 17 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
27 mi · 30 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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11
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Oakland 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.
North Kearney Street
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 01h 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.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Oakland and Mostly Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Oakland to Ames?
The road trip is about 141.5 miles (227.8 km) and usually takes 02h 15m 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?
Dexter is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.6 miles from Oakland and 70.9 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.5 miles (168.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 37 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:58 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.65 one way or $39.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Oakland and Mostly Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Dexter
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 Dexter.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Oakland and Ames. Straight-line distance: 104.5 mi (168.18 km).
#1 Oakland
Oakland is a place in Iowa, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.3091600, -95.3966700 |
| Altitude | 337 |
| 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: 228 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.94 | $19.65 | $39.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.28 | $21.34 | $42.68 |
| Premium | $4.84 | $24.14 | $48.27 |
| Diesel | $6.01 | $29.99 | $59.98 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026