How far is Sioux Center, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Sioux Center, IA to Ames, IA is about 201.1 miles (323.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 148.8 miles (239.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 45m 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 22m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sioux Center and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sioux Center and Ames.
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1
Start on North Main Avenue
5.7 mi · 9 min · North Main Avenue
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2
Turn left onto 450th Street
5 mi · 7 min · 450th Street
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3
Continue on Highway 10 West
2721 ft · 54 sec · Highway 10 West
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4
Continue on 8th Street Southwest
1.2 km · 2 min · 8th Street Southwest
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5
Continue on 450th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 450th Street
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 450th Street
24 m · 5 sec · 450th Street
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7
Exit the roundabout onto 450th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 450th Street
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8
Turn right onto Kennedy Avenue
1.4 km · 1 min · Kennedy Avenue
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9
Continue on State Highway 10
1587 ft · 25 sec · State Highway 10
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10
Continue on 460th Street
1.8 mi · 2 min · 460th Street
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11
Turn right onto Kiwi Avenue
5 mi · 7 min · Kiwi Avenue
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12
Continue on County Road L14
7 mi · 10 min · County Road L14
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13
Continue on State Highway 140
15.1 mi · 21 min · State Highway 140
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14
Turn left onto 320th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 320th Street
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15
Turn right onto Shamrock Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · Shamrock Avenue
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16
Continue on Lee Avenue
5.4 mi · 7 min · Lee Avenue
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17
Turn left onto Highway 20
19 mi · 23 min · Highway 20
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18
Continue on United States Highway 20
8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
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19
Continue on 220th Street
93.4 mi · 1 hr 48 min · 220th Street
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20
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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21
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 30 min
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22
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 51 sec
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23
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sioux Center and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
220th Street
Continue on 220th Street
93.4 mi · 01h 48m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Sioux Center and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sioux Center to Ames?
The road trip is about 201.1 miles (323.7 km) and usually takes 03h 22m 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?
Sac City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 103.1 miles from Sioux Center and 98.1 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 148.8 miles (239.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 52.3 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 10:14 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.77 one way or $53.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 63.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Sioux Center and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sioux Center and Ames. Straight-line distance: 148.76 mi (239.4 km).
#1 Sioux Center
City in Sioux County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 7,665 |
| Coordinates | 43.0797100, -96.1755800 |
| Altitude | 446 |
| 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: 324 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.77 | $53.55 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.20 | $60.39 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.04 | $66.09 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.66 | $75.32 |
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.