How far is Sidney, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Sidney, IA to Ames, IA is about 204.2 miles (328.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 137.6 miles (221.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 23m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 11m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Audubon County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sidney and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sidney and Ames.
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1
Start on Filmore Street
19 m · 8 sec · Filmore Street
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2
Turn left onto Illinois Street
2086 ft · 42 sec · Illinois Street
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3
Continue on Old Highway 275
1588 ft · 32 sec · Old Highway 275
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4
Continue straight
19.4 mi · 29 min
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5
Turn left
7.7 mi · 11 min
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6
Take the ramp slight right
13.1 mi · 15 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East: Des Moines
1.1 km · 46 sec
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8
Continue straight
118.2 mi · 2 hr 7 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
14.4 mi · 17 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
27 mi · 30 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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12
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 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 Sidney 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 80 East
Continue straight
118 mi · 02h 07m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Sidney and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sidney to Ames?
The road trip is about 204.2 miles (328.7 km) and usually takes 03h 11m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Brayton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 102 miles from Sidney and 102.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 137.6 miles (221.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 66.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.19 one way or $54.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 64.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Sidney and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Brayton
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 Brayton.
Creston
Omaha
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sidney and Ames. Straight-line distance: 137.63 mi (221.5 km).
#1 Sidney
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,016 |
| Coordinates | 40.7483300, -95.6475000 |
| Altitude | 356 |
| 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: 329 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.19 | $54.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.66 | $61.33 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.56 | $67.11 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.24 | $76.48 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.