How far is Ames, IA from Camanche, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Camanche, IA is about 181.7 miles (292.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 173.8 miles (279.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 32m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 46m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Camanche.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Camanche.
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1
Start on 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
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2
Take the ramp right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1641 ft · 40 sec
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3
Merge slight left
1.6 mi · 2 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 East: Nevada
1254 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
157.9 mi · 3 hr 11 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
1.5 mi · 2 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
14.6 mi · 17 min
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8
Turn right onto Anamosa Road
1.3 mi · 3 min · Anamosa Road
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto 21st Street
1174 ft · 32 sec · 21st Street
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10
Continue on 9th Avenue
1.4 mi · 3 min · 9th Avenue
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11
Turn left onto South Washington Boulevard
885 ft · 24 sec · South Washington Boulevard
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Washington Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Camanche.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 30 East
Merge slight left
158 mi · 03h 11m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Camanche.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Camanche?
The road trip is about 181.7 miles (292.4 km) and usually takes 03h 46m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Newhall is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.7 miles from Ames and 91 miles from Camanche.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 173.8 miles (279.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:28 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.17 one way or $48.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Camanche.
Stop Ideas Near Newhall
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Newhall.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Camanche. Straight-line distance: 173.78 mi (279.67 km).
#1 Ames
The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,033 |
| Coordinates | 42.0347100, -93.6199400 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Camanche
City in Clinton County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 4,368 |
| Coordinates | 41.7880900, -90.2562400 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| Country | United States |
End: Camanche (-90.25624, 41.78809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 292 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.17 | $48.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.26 | $54.52 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.83 | $59.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.00 | $68.00 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.