How far is Ames, IA from Knoxville, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Knoxville, IA is about 71.1 miles (114.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 55.9 miles (90 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 53m 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 26m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Knoxville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Knoxville.
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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
955 ft · 13 sec
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5
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 East: Davenport
1.3 km · 2 min
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6
Merge slight right
2.6 mi · 3 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
10.7 mi · 12 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
3203 ft · 1 min
-
10
Continue straight
18.5 mi · 21 min
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11
Turn left
6.6 mi · 8 min
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12
Take the exit slight right
1 km · 1 min
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13
Continue on McKimber Drive
2817 ft · 56 sec · McKimber Drive
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14
Continue on McKimber Street
1255 ft · 25 sec · McKimber Street
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15
Continue on West Pleasant Street
2673 ft · 59 sec · West Pleasant Street
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16
Turn left onto North Lincoln Street
11 m · 1 sec · North Lincoln Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Lincoln Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Knoxville.
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 35 South
Merge slight left
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Knoxville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Knoxville?
The road trip is about 71.1 miles (114.4 km) and usually takes 01h 26m 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?
Altoona is a useful midpoint, sitting about 35.5 miles from Ames and 35.5 miles from Knoxville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 55.9 miles (90 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.2 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 3:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.47 one way or $18.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Knoxville.
Stop Ideas Near Altoona
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 Altoona.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Knoxville. Straight-line distance: 55.92 mi (90 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 Knoxville
City in and seat of Marion County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 7,082 |
| Coordinates | 41.3208300, -93.1093700 |
| Altitude | 277 |
| Country | United States |
End: Knoxville (-93.10937, 41.32083)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 114 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.47 | $18.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.68 | $21.35 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.68 | $23.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.31 | $26.63 |
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.