How far is Rockwell City, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Rockwell City, IA to Ames, IA is about 84.1 miles (135.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 57.5 miles (92.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 54m 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 27m.
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 Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rockwell City and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rockwell City and Ames.
-
1
Start on 4th Street
58 m · 10 sec · 4th Street
-
2
Turn right onto Main Street
914 ft · 45 sec · Main Street
-
3
Turn left onto 1st Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
-
4
Continue on Ogden Avenue
2.5 mi · 3 min · Ogden Avenue
-
5
Turn right
54.1 mi · 1 hr 2 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
-
7
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 30 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
-
9
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
-
10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rockwell City 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.
Longest stretch
Turn right
54.1 mi · 01h 02m
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 Rockwell City and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rockwell City to Ames?
The road trip is about 84.1 miles (135.4 km) and usually takes 01h 27m 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?
Webster City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 44.7 miles from Rockwell City and 39.4 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 57.5 miles (92.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.6 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 3:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.20 one way or $22.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Rockwell City and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rockwell City and Ames. Straight-line distance: 57.56 mi (92.63 km).
#1 Rockwell City
City in and county seat of Calhoun County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,082 |
| Coordinates | 42.3952600, -94.6338700 |
| 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: 135 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.20 | $22.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.63 | $25.26 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.82 | $27.64 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.75 | $31.51 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.