Ames to La Crosse: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Ames from La Crosse?

The distance from Ames to La Crosse is 171.5 miles (276 km) as the crow flies. La Crosse is located NE of Ames. By car, the driving distance is approximately 214.4 miles, taking about 4h 19min. A direct flight would take roughly 51min. Both are located in United States — Ames in Iowa and La Crosse in Wisconsin.

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. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Ames and La Crosse. 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.