How far is Waukee, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Waukee, IA to Ames, IA is about 48 miles (77.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 32.2 miles (51.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 43m 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 51m.
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.
The most populous city in Polk 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 Waukee and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukee and Ames.
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1
Start on Ashworth Drive
43 m · 7 sec · Ashworth Drive
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2
Turn right onto 6th Street
1076 ft · 34 sec · 6th Street
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3
Turn right onto Hickman Road
5.7 mi · 9 min · Hickman Road
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4
Turn left onto I-35 north, I-80 east
1557 ft · 38 sec
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5
Merge slight left
10.4 mi · 12 min
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6
Continue straight
1.2 km · 51 sec
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7
Continue straight
3105 ft · 41 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
27 mi · 30 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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10
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waukee 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.
I 35 North
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
27 mi · 00h 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 Waukee and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukee to Ames?
The road trip is about 48 miles (77.2 km) and usually takes 00h 51m 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?
Ankeny is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.9 miles from Waukee and 24 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 32.2 miles (51.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.8 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 4:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.37 one way or $12.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waukee and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Ankeny
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 Ankeny.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukee and Ames. Straight-line distance: 32.26 mi (51.92 km).
#1 Waukee
City in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 26,166 |
| Coordinates | 41.6116600, -93.8852300 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| 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: 77 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.37 | $12.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.19 | $14.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.87 | $15.73 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.96 | $17.93 |
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.