How far is Sergeant Bluff, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Sergeant Bluff, IA to Ames, IA is about 180.8 miles (291 km), with a travel time of about 02h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.4 miles (229.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 34m 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 47m.
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 Calhoun County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sergeant Bluff and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sergeant Bluff and Ames.
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1
Start on 4th Street
118 m · 24 sec · 4th Street
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2
Turn sharp left onto South Lewis Boulevard
2.3 mi · 4 min · South Lewis Boulevard
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3
Turn right onto Singing Hills Boulevard
1.2 mi · 3 min · Singing Hills Boulevard
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4
Turn left onto South Lakeport Street
1789 ft · 55 sec · South Lakeport Street
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5
Take the ramp right toward US 20 East, US 75 North
2084 ft · 27 sec
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6
Merge slight right
2 mi · 2 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Fort Dodge
2241 ft · 55 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on Fort Dodge
141.5 mi · 2 hr 46 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 30 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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12
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sergeant Bluff and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Fort Dodge
Keep slight right to continue on Fort Dodge
142 mi · 02h 46m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Sergeant Bluff and Chance Rain Showers near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sergeant Bluff to Ames?
The road trip is about 180.8 miles (291 km) and usually takes 02h 47m 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?
Jolley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.7 miles from Sergeant Bluff and 91.1 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.4 miles (229.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 38.4 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 12:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.06 one way or $48.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Sergeant Bluff and Chance Rain Showers near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sergeant Bluff and Ames. Straight-line distance: 142.43 mi (229.22 km).
#1 Sergeant Bluff
City in Woodbury County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 5,119 |
| Coordinates | 42.4038800, -96.3586400 |
| Altitude | 334 |
| 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: 291 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.06 | $48.12 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.13 | $54.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.69 | $59.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.84 | $67.68 |
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.