How far is Traer, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Traer, IA to Ames, IA is about 75.8 miles (122 km), with a travel time of about 01h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 60.2 miles (96.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 36m 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 01h 18m.
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 Marshal County, Iowa
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 Traer and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Traer and Ames.
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1
Start on South Main Street
7.2 mi · 11 min · South Main Street
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2
Turn left onto J Avenue
11.8 mi · 17 min · J Avenue
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3
Continue on North County Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · North County Road
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4
Take the ramp right
2073 ft · 51 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
50.8 mi · 59 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 Traer 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 Traer and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Traer to Ames?
The road trip is about 75.8 miles (122 km) and usually takes 01h 18m 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?
Marshalltown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 38 miles from Traer and 37.8 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 60.2 miles (96.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.6 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 3:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.11 one way or $20.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Traer and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Traer and Ames. Straight-line distance: 60.18 mi (96.85 km).
#1 Traer
City in Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,585 |
| Coordinates | 42.1936000, -92.4654700 |
| Altitude | 279 |
| 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: 122 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.11 | $20.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.40 | $22.80 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.47 | $24.95 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.21 | $28.43 |
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 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.