How far is Ames, IA from Glenwood, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Glenwood, IA is about 180.1 miles (289.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 129.2 miles (208 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 44m 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 22m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Adair and Guthrie Counties in the US state of Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Glenwood.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Glenwood.
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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
25.7 mi · 28 min
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4
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
14.3 mi · 16 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
95.5 mi · 1 hr 43 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
23.5 mi · 25 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 29 South: Kansas City
1.1 mi · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
12 mi · 13 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 34, US 275 South: South Bellevue, Glenwood
1809 ft · 44 sec
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10
Keep slight left
1.2 km · 2 min
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11
Merge slight left onto US Highway 34
2.8 mi · 4 min · US Highway 34
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12
Turn left onto Hilman Road
1.4 km · 2 min · Hilman Road
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13
Continue on Sharp Street
2865 ft · 1 min · Sharp Street
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14
Turn left onto North Walnut Street
46 m · 9 sec · North Walnut Street
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15
Turn right
69 m · 17 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Glenwood.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 West
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
95.5 mi · 01h 43m
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Glenwood.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Glenwood?
The road trip is about 180.1 miles (289.9 km) and usually takes 03h 22m 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?
Adair is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90 miles from Ames and 90.2 miles from Glenwood.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 129.2 miles (208 km), while the road route adds roughly 50.9 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 10:16 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.98 one way or $47.97 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Glenwood.
Stop Ideas Near Adair
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 Adair.
Creston
Osceola
Omaha
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Glenwood. Straight-line distance: 129.25 mi (208.01 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 Glenwood
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,261 |
| Coordinates | 41.0469400, -95.7425100 |
| Altitude | 310 |
| Country | United States |
End: Glenwood (-95.74251, 41.04694)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 290 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.98 | $47.97 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.05 | $54.10 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.60 | $59.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.73 | $67.47 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.