How far is Urbana, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Urbana, IA to Ames, IA is about 111 miles (178.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.4 miles (145.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 48m 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 54m.
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.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Urbana and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Urbana and Ames.
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1
Start on West Wood Street
130 m · 14 sec · West Wood Street
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2
Turn right onto Ash Avenue
1084 ft · 34 sec · Ash Avenue
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto 55th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 55th Street
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
49 m · 3 sec
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5
Exit the roundabout
10.2 mi · 14 min
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6
Turn right onto West 2nd Street
1003 ft · 22 sec · West 2nd Street
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7
Turn left onto C Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · C Avenue
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8
Continue on State Highway 150
1576 ft · 27 sec · State Highway 150
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9
Continue straight
9.8 mi · 15 min
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10
Turn right onto 70th Street
2.5 mi · 4 min · 70th Street
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11
Continue on State Highway 199
540 ft · 11 sec · State Highway 199
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12
Continue on 1st Avenue
1468 ft · 35 sec · 1st Avenue
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13
Turn left onto 1st Street
773 ft · 16 sec · 1st Street
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14
Continue on 21st Avenue
2.9 mi · 5 min · 21st Avenue
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15
Turn right onto 73rd Street
11.4 mi · 13 min · 73rd Street
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16
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
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17
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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18
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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19
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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20
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Urbana 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
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 01h 16m
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.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Urbana and Partly Sunny then 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 Urbana to Ames?
The road trip is about 111 miles (178.7 km) and usually takes 01h 54m 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?
Toledo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 55.2 miles from Urbana and 55.9 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.4 miles (145.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.6 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 2:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.78 one way or $29.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Urbana and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Toledo
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 Toledo.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Urbana and Ames. Straight-line distance: 90.4 mi (145.48 km).
#1 Urbana
City in Benton County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,498 |
| Coordinates | 42.2241600, -91.8743400 |
| Altitude | 286 |
| 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: 179 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.78 | $29.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.67 | $33.34 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.24 | $36.49 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.79 | $41.58 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.