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Trip from Le Mars, 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

3h 47m

Distance

187 mi

301 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 35m ★
6 AM
3h 48m
8 AM
4h 13m
10 AM
3h 57m
12 PM
3h 54m
3 PM
3h 58m
5 PM
4h 12m
8 PM
3h 40m

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

Le Mars, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Ames, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking from Le Mars, Iowa, to Ames, Iowa, this 182.1-mile journey takes approximately 3 hours and 1 minute to complete. Primarily utilizing local roads like 5th Avenue Northeast, Lincoln Street Northeast, and Highway 3, with no highway driving, this route offers a more grounded travel experience. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $28, making it an economical option for a single-day excursion within the Midwest region. Given its manageable distance and duration, this drive is perfectly suited for a one-day trip, allowing ample time to reach your destination without feeling rushed.

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

93.5 miles from Le Mars, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
220th Street 93.4 mi 1h 47m
I 35 28.1 mi 30m
Highway 20 19 mi 22m
United States Highway 20 8.3 mi 10m
Oyens Avenue 7 mi 9m
Lee Avenue 5.4 mi 7m
County Road K64 5 mi 6m
State Highway 3 4.7 mi 6m
Longest stretch: 220th Street — 93.4 mi, about 1h 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on 1st Street Northeast

0.3 mi · 1 min · 1st Street Northeast
2

Turn left onto IA 3

0.1 mi · 16 sec · 5th Avenue Northeast
3

Continue on IA 3

0.7 mi · 1 min · Lincoln Street Northeast
4

Continue on IA 3

4.7 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
5

Turn right onto County Road K64

5.0 mi · 6 min · County Road K64
6

Continue on Oyens Avenue

7.0 mi · 9 min · Oyens Avenue
7

Turn left onto CR C60

2.0 mi · 2 min · C 60
8

Turn right onto County Road C66

2.4 mi · 3 min · County Road C66
9

Continue on 310th Street

1.4 mi · 1 min · 310th Street
10

Turn straight onto County Highway C66

0.8 mi · 1 min · County Highway C66
11

Continue on Main Street

0.2 mi · 52 sec · Main Street
12

Turn left onto East 3rd Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · East 3rd Street
13

Continue on C66

2.0 mi · 2 min · 320th Street
14

Turn right onto Shamrock Avenue

2.0 mi · 2 min · Shamrock Avenue
15

Continue on L21

5.4 mi · 7 min · Lee Avenue
16

Turn left onto US 20

19 mi · 22 min · Highway 20
Use the straight lane.
17

Continue on US 20

8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
18

Continue on US 20

93 mi · 1 hr 47 min · 220th Street
19

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
20

Merge onto I 35

28 mi · 30 min · I 35
21

Take the exit onto I 35 Business

0.4 mi · 52 sec · I 35 Business
Toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
22

Turn right onto I 35 Business

2.4 mi · 4 min · East 13th Street
23

Arrive at destination

I 35 Business

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short, 3-hour drive covering 182.1 miles, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid early rush hour in Le Mars and arrive in Ames with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and no long highway stretches, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Pay close attention to the numerous turns indicated by the 'turn-heavy' profile, and keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as local roads may have fewer service stations than major highways. The $28 fuel cost estimate is a good baseline for budgeting.

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 93.5 miles from Le Mars, IA, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.4 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 41 miles or 57m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 93.5 miles or 1h 59m 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 8m

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 Le Mars, 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 Le Mars, IA

This is one driving day of about 187 miles and 3h 47m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Le Mars, 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 220th Street for about 93.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Lake City, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lake City, IA

94 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

Lake City, IA to Ames, IA

75.9 mi · 1h 44m

Pacing Suggestions

Ida Grove, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lake City, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 93.5 miles from Le Mars, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before 220th Street if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.4 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

Lally's Eastside Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Le Mars, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17125464406

Visit website

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Ames, Iowa

1.8 mi

Lally's Eastside Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Le Mars, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17125464406

Visit website

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 182.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15154505004

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 182.1

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 182.1

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 182.1

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 182.1

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 182.1

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 182.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 182.1

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 182.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 182.1

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 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 34.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.3 mi into trip | ~1m in | IA 3 / 5th Avenue Northeast

Turn left onto IA 3 / 5th Avenue Northeast

Navigation decision point

4
19.9 mi into trip | ~28m in | County Road C66

Turn right onto County Road C66

Navigation decision point

4
24.7 mi into trip | ~35m in | East 3rd Street

Turn left onto East 3rd Street

Navigation decision point

4
27.3 mi into trip | ~39m in | Shamrock Avenue

Turn right onto Shamrock Avenue

Navigation decision point

6
34.7 mi into trip | ~49m in | US 20 / Highway 20

Turn left onto US 20 / Highway 20

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.24 one way

$58.47 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $32.10 $64.20
premium $4.89 $35.99 $71.97
diesel $5.61 $41.29 $82.57

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 65.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 56.1 0 $19.63 $8.98
Efficient EV 46.8 0 $16.36 $7.48
EV Truck/SUV 74.8 0 $26.18 $11.97

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 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 16, 2026

Origin

Le Mars, IA

Night in Le Mars on Saturday

Local time

9:46 PM

CDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ames, IA

Night in Ames on Saturday

Local time

9:46 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Lake City, IA

94 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

20 degrees warmer at arrival

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

Road read

3h 47m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll be navigating a series of turns and intersections rather than cruising on a straight highway. With a 0% highway share, expect to be on local roads for the entire 182.1 miles. The absence of long highway stretches means you’ll be more engaged with the driving, experiencing the landscape at a more intimate pace. This type of route often involves passing through various towns and rural areas, offering a different perspective than interstate travel.

32% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93.4 mi on 220th Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near IA 3 / 5th Avenue Northeast.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Le Mars, IA to Ames, IA is easy. At 3h 47m with 32% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (IA 3 / 5th Avenue Northeast): Navigation decision point; at 19.9 miles (County Road C66): Navigation decision point; at 24.7 miles (East 3rd 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 3h 47m. Total distance: 187 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (32%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 93.4 miles on 220th Street. 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.

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 0.3 miles (IA 3 / 5th Avenue Northeast): Navigation decision point; at 19.9 miles (County Road C66): Navigation decision point; at 24.7 miles (East 3rd Street): Navigation decision point.

Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Ames, 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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