How far is Tama, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Tama, IA to Ames, IA is about 57.3 miles (92.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 56m 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 00h 58m.
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 Marshall County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tama and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tama and Ames.
-
1
Start on State Street
1642 ft · 33 sec · State Street
-
2
Turn left onto West 13th Street
1334 ft · 25 sec · West 13th Street
-
3
Turn right onto Harding Street
2225 ft · 38 sec · Harding Street
-
4
Continue on South County Road
2296 ft · 48 sec · South County Road
-
5
Take the ramp left
2073 ft · 51 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
50.8 mi · 59 min · Lincoln Highway
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
-
8
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
-
10
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
-
11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tama 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.
Lincoln Highway
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
50.8 mi · 00h 59m
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 Tama and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tama to Ames?
The road trip is about 57.3 miles (92.2 km) and usually takes 00h 58m 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?
State Center is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28.6 miles from Tama and 28.6 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.6 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 4:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.62 one way or $15.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tama and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tama and Ames. Straight-line distance: 53.76 mi (86.52 km).
#1 Tama
City in Tokyo, Japan
| Population | 2,723 |
| Coordinates | 41.9666600, -92.5768600 |
| Altitude | 257 |
| 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: 92 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.62 | $15.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.59 | $17.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.40 | $18.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.71 | $21.43 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.