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Trip from Audubon, IA to Ames, IA

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

Drive Time

2h 12m

Distance

95.5 mi

154 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 3m ★
6 AM
2h 13m
8 AM
2h 31m
10 AM
2h 19m
12 PM
2h 17m
3 PM
2h 20m
5 PM
2h 30m
8 PM
2h 7m

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 Iowa, United States

Audubon, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Ames, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 95.5-mile journey from Audubon, IA to Ames, IA is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete. You'll be navigating a mix of local roads like 220th Street and County Road F32, with a small portion on US 71. With a fuel cost estimated at $15, this drive through the Midwest is quite economical. The route is characterized by frequent turns, making it a more engaging local experience rather than a straightforward highway cruise. It's perfect for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing to break up the drive.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

47.8 miles from Audubon, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 8m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
220th Street 44.4 mi 58m
County Road F32 12.1 mi 16m
US 71 10.9 mi 15m
County Road N33 10.3 mi 13m
230th Street 7.6 mi 8m
George P. Soumas Memorial Highway 3 mi 4m
East 6th Street 2.3 mi 4m
University Boulevard 1.2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: 220th Street — 44.4 mi, about 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 71

1.0 mi · 2 min · South Market Street
2

Continue on US 71

12 mi · 16 min · County Road F32
3

Turn right onto US 71; IA 141

3.0 mi · 4 min · George P. Soumas Memorial Highway
Use the left lane.
4

Turn left onto US 71

11 mi · 15 min · US 71
Use the left lane.
5

Turn right onto West 3rd Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · West 3rd Street
6

Turn left onto North Main Street

0.2 mi · 35 sec · North Main Street
7

Turn right onto US 30

2.3 mi · 4 min · East 6th Street
8

Continue on US 30

10 mi · 13 min · County Road N33
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Continue on US 30

44 mi · 58 min · 220th Street
10

Continue on US 30

7.6 mi · 8 min · 230th Street
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward Iowa State University
12

Turn left onto University Boulevard

1.2 mi · 2 min · University Boulevard
13

Turn right onto South 4th Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · South 4th Street
14

Turn left onto South Grand Avenue

0.3 mi · 39 sec · South Grand Avenue
15

Continue on I 35 Business; US 69

0.8 mi · 2 min · Grand Avenue
16

Turn right onto I 35 Business

117 ft · 3 sec · 13th Street
17

Arrive at destination

I 35 Business

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour duration, this drive is best tackled in a single day. You could depart anytime, but an early start will give you ample time to settle into Ames. While there are no designated stops mentioned, you'll want to be mindful of fuel, as the 95.5-mile trip has an estimated fuel cost of $15. The 'turn-heavy' profile means staying alert and keeping your navigation handy. A practical tip: since the longest stretch is over 44 miles, ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment of 220th Street to avoid any potential delays.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 47.8 miles from Audubon, IA, or about 1h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 44.4 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 21 miles or 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 47.8 miles or 1h 8m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 48m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Audubon, 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 Audubon, IA

This is one driving day of about 95.5 miles and 2h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Audubon, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on 220th Street for about 44.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Greene County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jefferson, IA

48 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.

Popular next leg

Jefferson, IA to Ames, IA

43.1 mi · 58m

Pacing Suggestions

Carroll, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jefferson, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 47.8 miles from Audubon, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.5

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

The Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

1.6 mi

The Feed Mill Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Audubon, Iowa

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 95.5

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.8 mi

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.7 mi

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

The Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15152920100

Visit website

The Feed Mill Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Audubon, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17125635406

Visit website

Cafe Beaudelaire

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152927429

Visit website

Tosca

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15152925258

Visit website

Lockwood Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 88.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

Visit website

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15154505004

Visit website

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15152339004

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

Cafe Milo

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 88.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15152683166

Visit website

Labyrinth Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Bookends Cafe

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+15152941383

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Audubon, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 95.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 13.1 and 95.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
13.1 mi into trip | ~18m in | US 71; IA 141 / George P. Soumas Memorial Highway

Turn right onto US 71; IA 141 / George P. Soumas Memorial Highway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
16.1 mi into trip | ~22m in | US 71

Turn left onto US 71

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
4
27.7 mi into trip | ~39m in | US 30 / East 6th Street

Turn right onto US 30 / East 6th Street

Navigation decision point

4
92.3 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in

Take the exit toward Iowa State University

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward Iowa State University
4
95.5 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | I 35 Business / 13th Street

Turn right onto I 35 Business / 13th Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.93 one way

$29.86 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 33 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $16.39 $32.79
premium $4.89 $18.38 $36.76
diesel $5.61 $21.09 $42.17

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 33.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.7 0 $10.03 $4.58
Efficient EV 23.9 0 $8.36 $3.82
EV Truck/SUV 38.2 0 $13.37 $6.11

Gas CO2

33 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (67% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Audubon, IA

Late night in Audubon on Sunday

Local time

12:58 AM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ames, IA

Late night in Ames on Sunday

Local time

12:58 AM

CDT

Current temp

34°F

Partly Cloudy

NW 15 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 17 at 11:29PM CDT until April 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Omaha/Valley NE

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 17 at 10:38PM CDT until April 24 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

74°F

Jefferson, IA

48 mi in

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

15 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

2h 12m 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 turn-heavy local drive on this route. Only 11% of the journey is on highways, meaning you'll spend most of your time on county roads and smaller state routes. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 44.4 miles along 220th Street, offering a brief period of consistent driving before the turns pick up again. This profile suggests a route where you'll be actively steering and navigating, with scenery likely changing frequently as you traverse the Iowa countryside. It's less about high-speed cruising and more about engaging with the local road network.

Only 11% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 44.4 mi on 220th Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 13.1 miles in near US 71; IA 141 / George P. Soumas Memorial Highway.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 12m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 13.1 miles (US 71; IA 141 / George P. Soumas Memorial Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 16.1 miles (US 71): Lane positioning matters here; at 27.7 miles (US 30 / East 6th Street): Navigation decision point.

About the Cities

Arriving 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 2h 12m. Total distance: 95.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (11%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 44.4 miles on 220th Street. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 13.1 miles (US 71; IA 141 / George P. Soumas Memorial Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 16.1 miles (US 71): Lane positioning matters here; at 27.7 miles (US 30 / East 6th Street): Navigation decision point.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Ames, IA before heading back.

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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