How far is State Center, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from State Center, IA to Ames, IA is about 26 miles (41.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 23.5 miles (37.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 57m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 28m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Story County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between State Center and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between State Center and Ames.
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1
Start on East Main Street
4 m · 5 sec · East Main Street
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2
Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
1114 ft · 25 sec · 1st Avenue South
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3
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
860 ft · 24 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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4
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue Southwest
2042 ft · 41 sec · 3rd Avenue Southwest
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5
Turn right onto Lincoln Highway
20.6 mi · 24 min · Lincoln Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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9
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between State Center and Ames.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Lincoln Highway
Turn right onto Lincoln Highway
20.6 mi · 00h 24m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving State Center and Mostly Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from State Center to Ames?
The road trip is about 26 miles (41.9 km) and usually takes 00h 28m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Nevada is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13 miles from State Center and 13 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 23.5 miles (37.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.47 one way or $6.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around State Center and Mostly Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Nevada
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 Nevada.
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between State Center and Ames. Straight-line distance: 23.46 mi (37.75 km).
#1 State Center
City in Marshall County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,432 |
| Coordinates | 42.0166500, -93.1635400 |
| Altitude | 326 |
| 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: 42 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.47 | $6.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.91 | $7.83 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.28 | $8.56 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $4.88 | $9.76 |
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 · May 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.