How far is Woodward, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Woodward, IA to Ames, IA is about 28.3 miles (45.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 19.8 miles (31.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 13m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 36m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Human settlement in Worth Township, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Woodward and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Woodward and Ames.
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1
Start on South Main Street
2343 ft · 41 sec · South Main Street
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2
Turn right
5.2 mi · 8 min
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto East 1st Street
127 m · 13 sec · East 1st Street
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto East 1st Street
2680 ft · 52 sec · East 1st Street
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5
Turn left onto North Kennedy Avenue
10.8 mi · 15 min · North Kennedy Avenue
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6
Take the ramp right toward US 30 East: Ames
1987 ft · 55 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto 220th Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · 220th Street
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8
Continue on 230th Street
7.6 mi · 9 min · 230th Street
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Iowa State University
1521 ft · 39 sec
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10
Turn left onto University Boulevard
1.2 mi · 2 min · University Boulevard
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11
Turn right onto South 4th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South 4th Street
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12
Turn left onto South Grand Avenue
1330 ft · 40 sec · South Grand Avenue
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13
Continue on Grand Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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14
Turn right onto 13th Street
36 m · 3 sec · 13th Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Woodward and Ames.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
North Kennedy Avenue
Turn left onto North Kennedy Avenue
10.8 mi · 00h 15m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Woodward and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Woodward to Ames?
The road trip is about 28.3 miles (45.6 km) and usually takes 00h 36m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Luther is a useful midpoint, sitting about 14.9 miles from Woodward and 13.5 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 19.8 miles (31.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.77 one way or $7.54 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Woodward and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Luther
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 Luther.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Woodward and Ames. Straight-line distance: 19.79 mi (31.85 km).
#1 Woodward
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,472 |
| Coordinates | 41.8569300, -93.9219000 |
| Altitude | 326 |
| 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: 46 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.77 | $7.54 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.25 | $8.51 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.65 | $9.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.30 | $10.61 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.