How far is Peosta, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Peosta, IA to Ames, IA is about 174.2 miles (280.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 144.5 miles (232.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 28m 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 44m.
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 Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Peosta and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Peosta and Ames.
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1
Start on Peosta Street
2062 ft · 41 sec · Peosta Street
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2
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Peosta Street
30 m · 2 sec · Peosta Street
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3
Exit the roundabout onto Peosta Street
915 ft · 20 sec · Peosta Street
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4
Take the ramp right toward US 20 West, US 52 North
2035 ft · 56 sec
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5
Merge slight left
75.2 mi · 1 hr 27 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
66.5 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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8
Merge slight left
28.6 mi · 31 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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10
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Peosta 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 West
Merge slight left
75.2 mi · 01h 27m
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 Sunny leaving Peosta and Partly Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Peosta to Ames?
The road trip is about 174.2 miles (280.4 km) and usually takes 02h 44m 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?
Hudson is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87 miles from Peosta and 87.2 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 144.5 miles (232.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.7 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 1:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.19 one way or $46.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Peosta and Partly Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Peosta and Ames. Straight-line distance: 144.54 mi (232.61 km).
#1 Peosta
City in Dubuque County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,919 |
| Coordinates | 42.4505600, -90.8504100 |
| Altitude | 321 |
| 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: 280 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.19 | $46.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.16 | $52.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.62 | $57.24 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.62 | $65.24 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.