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Trip from Ames, IA to Sidney, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 56m

Distance

203.7 mi

328 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 44m ★
6 AM
3h 57m
8 AM
4h 23m
10 AM
4h 6m
12 PM
4h 3m
3 PM
4h 7m
5 PM
4h 21m
8 PM
3h 49m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Ames, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Iowa, United States

Sidney, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 203.7-mile drive from Ames to Sidney, Iowa, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 56 minutes. With 96% of the route on highways, it’s a focused drive primarily utilizing I-80, I-35, and I-29. You can expect a fuel cost of around $32 for this trip. Given its manageable length and highway-focused profile, it’s ideal for a day trip, allowing for a flexible schedule. This journey stays within the familiar Midwest region, offering a consistent travel experience.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

101.8 miles from Ames, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 119 mi 2h 8m
I 35 40 mi 44m
I 29 27.9 mi 30m
US 275 4.5 mi 6m
State Highway 145 3.8 mi 9m
North Street 2.8 mi 6m
13th Street 2.4 mi 5m
Filmore Street 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 119 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ames, IA and Sidney, IA.

1

Start on I 35 Business

2.4 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
2

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
3

Merge onto I 35

26 mi · 28 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

14 mi · 16 min · I 35
Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

96 mi · 1 hr 42 min · I 80
Toward I 80 West: Omaha Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

23 mi · 25 min · I 80
Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
7

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min
Exit 4A Toward I 29 South: Kansas City Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto I 29

28 mi · 30 min · I 29
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward CR J24: Mc Paul, Thurman
10

Turn left onto CR J24

0.1 mi · 16 sec · 155 Street
11

Continue on CR J24

2.8 mi · 6 min · North Street
12

Turn right onto CR J24; CR L44

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Fletcher Street
13

Turn left onto CR J24; CR L44

0.5 mi · 1 min · Filmore Street
14

Continue on State Highway 145

3.8 mi · 9 min · State Highway 145
15

Turn right onto US 275

4.5 mi · 6 min · US 275
16

Continue on Old Highway 275

0.3 mi · 31 sec · Old Highway 275
17

Continue on Illinois Street

0.4 mi · 43 sec · Illinois Street
18

Turn right onto Filmore Street

62 ft · 2 sec · Filmore Street
19

Arrive at destination

Filmore Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour 56-minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day, offering plenty of flexibility for your departure time. Plan for one main stop to break up the 203.7 miles, perhaps around the halfway point or where you might need fuel. The longest stretch of 119 miles on I-80 means you’ll want to ensure you have adequate fuel before entering that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the latter half of the drive, to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 101.8 miles from Ames, IA, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 45 miles or 52m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 101.8 miles or 1h 54m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 4m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sidney, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Ames, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Ames, IA

This is one driving day of about 203.7 miles and 3h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Ames, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 119 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Atlantic, IA

102 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Clive, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Atlantic, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 101.8 miles from Ames, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery - Indian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.6

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15153481054

Visit website

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clive, Iowa

0.6 mi

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stuart, Iowa

0.6 mi

Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery - Indian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.6

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15153481054

Visit website

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 43.6

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15155133330

Visit website

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 72.7

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155238000

Visit website

Club Car Restaurant & Lounge- Clive

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 43.6

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152261729

Visit website

Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $30 to $40 mile 43.6

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152256005

Visit website

Mi Mexico Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.6

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152226933

Visit website

Machine Shed Restaurant Urbandale

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.6

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+15152706818

Visit website

El Toreado Restaurant Bar & Grill . EP True

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.6

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152262182

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 130.9

Shelby, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 160

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

Lake Manawa State Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 160

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 4 am–10:30 pm

+17123660220

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.7 and 161.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2.7 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
28.4 mi into trip | ~34m in | I 35

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35 toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council B...
7
42.7 mi into trip | ~50m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Omaha

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 80 West: Omaha
6
138.3 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in | I 80

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebrask...
7
161.7 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in

Take the exit toward I 29 South: Kansas City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 4A Toward I 29 South: Kansas City

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.85 one way

$63.69 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 71 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $34.97 $69.93
premium $4.89 $39.20 $78.40
diesel $5.61 $44.97 $89.95

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$32

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 71.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 61.1 0 $21.39 $9.78
Efficient EV 50.9 0 $17.82 $8.15
EV Truck/SUV 81.5 1 $28.52 $13.04

Gas CO2

71 kg

EV CO2

24 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Ames, IA

Night in Ames on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 22 mph 28% chance Live forecast

Destination

Sidney, IA

Night in Sidney on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

26 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 56m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 203.7-mile trip, with 96% of your travel on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 119 miles on I-80, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While the primary roads are interstates, the overall character is one of efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways. This route is designed for covering distance effectively, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.7 miles in near I 35.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 203.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.7 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.4 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.7 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Ames, IA and Sidney, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Davenport, Omaha Nebraska, Cr J24: Mc Paul and Thurman.

Council Bluffs

28.4 mi in | ~34m | via I 35

Davenport

28.4 mi in | ~34m | via I 35

Omaha Nebraska

138.3 mi in | ~2h 33m | via I 80

Cr J24: Mc Paul

190.8 mi in | ~3h 30m

Thurman

190.8 mi in | ~3h 30m

About the Cities

Starting in Ames, IA

Full guide →

Ames is a pleasant college town in Central Iowa, sitting astride the Skunk River roughly 30 miles north of Des Moines. Life in Ames follows the ebb and flow of the academic year at Iowa State University, which is the city's primary draw.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 56m. Total distance: 203.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 119 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Sidney, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 2.7 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.4 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.7 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Sidney, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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