How far is Ames, IA from Grinnell, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Grinnell, IA is about 66.9 miles (107.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 50.4 miles (81.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 55m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 01h 27m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Human settlement in Marshall County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Grinnell.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Grinnell.
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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
40.3 mi · 47 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
1978 ft · 58 sec
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7
Turn right onto Zeller Avenue
1596 ft · 33 sec · Zeller Avenue
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8
Continue on Beane Street
2601 ft · 52 sec · Beane Street
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9
Continue on Zeller Avenue
8 mi · 11 min · Zeller Avenue
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10
Continue on Pleasant View
1558 ft · 39 sec · Pleasant View
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11
Continue on South Elm Street
1239 ft · 35 sec · South Elm Street
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12
Continue on East Strait Street
810 ft · 18 sec · East Strait Street
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13
Continue on 330th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 330th Street
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14
Continue on State Highway 146
9.6 mi · 13 min · State Highway 146
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15
Continue on West Avenue
803 ft · 12 sec · West Avenue
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16
Continue on West Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · West Street
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17
Turn left onto 4th Avenue
1329 ft · 32 sec · 4th Avenue
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18
Turn right onto Park Street
21 m · 3 sec · Park Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Park Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Grinnell.
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
40.3 mi · 00h 47m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ames and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Grinnell.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Grinnell?
The road trip is about 66.9 miles (107.6 km) and usually takes 01h 27m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Haverhill is a useful midpoint, sitting about 33.4 miles from Ames and 33.5 miles from Grinnell.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 50.4 miles (81.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.90 one way or $17.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Grinnell.
Stop Ideas Near Haverhill
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 Haverhill.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Grinnell. Straight-line distance: 50.37 mi (81.07 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 Grinnell
City in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 9,096 |
| Coordinates | 41.7430500, -92.7224100 |
| Altitude | 309 |
| Country | United States |
End: Grinnell (-92.72241, 41.74305)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 108 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.90 | $17.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.04 | $20.07 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.98 | $21.97 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.52 | $25.03 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.