How far is Tipton, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Tipton, IA to Ames, IA is about 140.8 miles (226.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 129.4 miles (208.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 39m 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 19m.
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 Iowa, United States
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 Tipton and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tipton and Ames.
-
1
Start on the route
36 m · 12 sec
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2
Turn left onto East 5th Street
15 m · 4 sec · East 5th Street
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3
Turn right onto Cedar Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Cedar Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 38
7.4 mi · 10 min · State Highway 38
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5
Turn left
127.9 mi · 2 hr 30 min
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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 Tipton and Ames.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn left
128 mi · 02h 30m
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 Tipton and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tipton to Ames?
The road trip is about 140.8 miles (226.6 km) and usually takes 02h 19m 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?
Elberon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.3 miles from Tipton and 70.5 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 129.4 miles (208.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.4 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 1:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.74 one way or $37.48 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tipton and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Elberon
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 Elberon.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tipton and Ames. Straight-line distance: 129.45 mi (208.33 km).
#1 Tipton
Town in Iowa
| Population | 3,178 |
| Coordinates | 41.7697400, -91.1279300 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| 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: 227 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.74 | $37.48 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.14 | $42.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.13 | $46.26 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.36 | $52.72 |
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.