Trip from Sergeant Bluff, 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 34m

Distance

179.8 mi

289 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 22m ★

6 AM

3h 34m

8 AM

3h 59m

10 AM

3h 43m

12 PM

3h 41m

3 PM

3h 44m

5 PM

3h 58m

8 PM

3h 27m

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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Sergeant Bluff, IA

Tom Fisk

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Ames, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 179.8-mile drive from Sergeant Bluff, IA, to Ames, IA, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 20 and I-35, this highway-focused journey keeps you moving efficiently through the heart of the Midwest. With a fuel cost estimated at $27, it's an economical option for a quick trip. The route offers a single designated stop, and considering its manageable length, it's perfectly suited for a day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You'll spend about 96% of your time on highways, making for a predictable and smooth 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

89.9 miles from Sergeant Bluff, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 20	143.9 mi	2h 48m
I 35	28.1 mi	30m
East 13th Street	2.4 mi	4m
South Lewis Boulevard	2.3 mi	3m
Singing Hills Boulevard	1.2 mi	2m
I 35 Business	0.4 mi	<1m
South Lakeport Street	0.3 mi	<1m
4th Street	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: US 20 — 143.9 mi, about 2h 48m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on 4th Street

388 ft · 24 sec · 4th Street

Turn sharp left onto South Lewis Boulevard

2.3 mi · 3 min · South Lewis Boulevard

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn right onto Singing Hills Boulevard

1.2 mi · 2 min · Singing Hills Boulevard

Turn left onto South Lakeport Street

0.3 mi · 54 sec · South Lakeport Street

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 27 sec

Toward US 20 East, US 75 North

Merge onto US 20; US 75

2.0 mi · 2 min · US 20; US 75

Take the exit onto US 20

0.4 mi · 54 sec · US 20

Toward Fort Dodge

Keep slight right at fork onto US 20

142 mi · 2 hr 45 min · US 20

Toward Fort Dodge Use the right lane.

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min

Toward I 35 South: Des Moines

Merge onto I 35

28 mi · 30 min · I 35

Take the exit onto I 35 Business

0.4 mi · 52 sec · I 35 Business

Toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs

Turn right onto I 35 Business

2.4 mi · 4 min · East 13th Street

Arrive at destination

I 35 Business

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 34-minute duration, leaving Sergeant Bluff in the morning will easily get you to Ames by midday. With only one recommended stop and a total of 179.8 miles, you have plenty of flexibility to start when you're ready. The fuel cost is estimated at $27, so plan accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 143.9 miles on US 20, as services can be spread out. This route is well-suited for a single-day trip, so no need to break it up.

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 89.9 miles from Sergeant Bluff, IA, or about 1h 48m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 143.9 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 40 miles or 50m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 89.9 miles or 1h 48m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 56m

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 Sergeant Bluff, 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 Sergeant Bluff, IA

This is one driving day of about 179.8 miles and 3h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Sergeant Bluff, 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 US 20 for about 143.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Storm Lake, IA

90 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

Ida Grove, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Storm Lake, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 89.9 miles from Sergeant Bluff, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 143.9 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

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 179.8

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

The Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

1.6 mi

Cafe Beaudelaire

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

1.8 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 179.8

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Story City, Iowa

0.7 mi

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.8 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 179.8

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 179.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15152920100

Visit website

Cafe Beaudelaire

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 179.8

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 179.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15152925258

Visit website

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 179.8

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 179.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15152339004

Visit website

Provisions Lot F

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 179.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155981783

Visit website

Business Cafe

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 179.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15152949081

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 179.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

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 179.8

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 179.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 179.8

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 179.8

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 179.8

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 179.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Sioux City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 179.8

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 179.8

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 0.1 and 6.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | South Lewis Boulevard

Turn sharp left onto South Lewis Boulevard

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.

2.3 mi into trip | ~4m in | Singing Hills Boulevard

Turn right onto Singing Hills Boulevard

Navigation decision point

3.6 mi into trip | ~6m in | South Lakeport Street

Turn left onto South Lakeport Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

3.9 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the ramp toward US 20 East, US 75 North

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 20 East, US 75 North

6.7 mi into trip | ~11m in | US 20

Keep slight right at fork onto US 20 toward Fort Dodge

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward Fort Dodge

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.11 one way

$56.22 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$30.86	$61.73
premium	$4.89	$34.60	$69.20
diesel	$5.61	$39.70	$79.40

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 62.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	53.9	$18.88	$8.63
Efficient EV	45	$15.73	$7.19
EV Truck/SUV	71.9	$25.17	$11.51

Gas CO2

63 kg

EV CO2

21 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 16, 2026

Origin

Sergeant Bluff, IA

Late night in Sergeant Bluff on Sunday

Local time

2:33 AM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ames, IA

Late night in Ames on Sunday

Local time

2:33 AM

CDT

Current temp

70°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

19 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 34m 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?

Expect a highway-focused experience for 96% of this 179.8-mile journey. The bulk of your travel will be on US 20 and I-35, offering a consistent pace. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 143.9 miles on US 20, allowing for extended periods of cruising. While largely a highway drive, the transition onto East 13th Street signals your approach to Ames, offering a slight change in scenery as you near your destination. The overall feel is one of efficient travel across the Iowa landscape.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 143.9 mi on US 20.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 20 and I 35. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near South Lewis Boulevard.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 179.8 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (South Lewis Boulevard): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles (Singing Hills Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 3.6 miles (South Lakeport Street): Lane positioning matters here.

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 34m. Total distance: 179.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 34m 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 143.9 miles on US 20. 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 Ames, 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.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 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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Trip from Sergeant Bluff, IA to Ames, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

Cafe Diem

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

The Cafe

Cafe Beaudelaire

Tosca

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

Provisions Lot F

Business Cafe

Cafe Diem

KaffeGeita

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Vinyl Cafe

Labyrinth Coffee

Bookends Cafe

Cafe Milo

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

Discover Ames

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Sergeant Bluff, IA

Ames, IA

Same local time

19 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 34m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Ames, IA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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