Ames to Crystal Lake: Road Trip Guide & Distance

272 miles 437.8 km · straight line
340.1 miles estimated 547.3 km · driving distance
6h 50min estimated drive time
$33 - $40 estimated fuel cost
~1h 3min flight time
85° E bearing direction

How far is Ames from Crystal Lake?

The distance from Ames to Crystal Lake is 272 miles (437.8 km) as the crow flies. Crystal Lake is located E of Ames. By car, the driving distance is approximately 340.1 miles, taking about 6h 50min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 3min. Both are located in United States — Ames in Iowa and Crystal Lake in Illinois.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Ames and Crystal Lake. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Ames to Crystal Lake

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 6h 50min $33 - $40 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 3min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~8h 12min $27–$51* Budget
Train ~6h 30min $41–$119* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Ames & Crystal Lake

Quick Facts

Ames
42.03°N, 93.62°W
America/Chicago
287m elevation
Crystal Lake
42.24°N, 88.32°W
America/Chicago
279m elevation
Explore more routes from Crystal Lake

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 91 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 23 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 91.5 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients