How far is Prairie City, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Prairie City, IA to Ames, IA is about 50.5 miles (81.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36 miles (58 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 44m 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 00h 52m.
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.
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Prairie City and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Prairie City and Ames.
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1
Start on East 5th Street
105 m · 17 sec · East 5th Street
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2
Turn right onto South State Street
1027 ft · 19 sec · South State Street
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3
Turn right onto East 2nd Street
1.3 km · 1 min · East 2nd Street
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4
Take the ramp right
1844 ft · 51 sec
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5
Merge slight left
12.5 mi · 14 min
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6
Take the exit right
2180 ft · 53 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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8
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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11
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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12
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 28 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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15
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Prairie City 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.
I 35 North
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 00h 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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny leaving Prairie City 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 Prairie City to Ames?
The road trip is about 50.5 miles (81.2 km) and usually takes 00h 52m 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?
Ankeny is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.2 miles from Prairie City and 25.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36 miles (58 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.5 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 4:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.71 one way or $13.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around Prairie City and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Ankeny
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 Ankeny.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Prairie City and Ames. Straight-line distance: 36.01 mi (57.96 km).
#1 Prairie City
City in Jasper County, Iowa
| Population | 1,718 |
| Coordinates | 41.5994300, -93.2352100 |
| Altitude | 283 |
| 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: 81 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.71 | $13.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.57 | $15.14 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.28 | $16.57 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.44 | $18.88 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.