How far is Ames, IA from Maharishi Vedic City, IA?

The driving distance from Ames, IA to Maharishi Vedic City, IA is about 145.7 miles (234.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 57m by car.

  • The straight-line flight distance is about 108 miles (173.8 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 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.
Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
145.72 mi
02h 57m
Flight
108.01 mi
173.83 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Ames.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
108.01 mi
Kilometers
173.83 km
Flight Time
00h 13m

Driving Distance

Road route
145.72 mi
Kilometers
234.51 km
Drive Time
02h 57m

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 02h 57m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Maharishi Vedic City
Sun, Apr 19, 10:47 AM CDT
Return by in Ames
Sun, Apr 19, 1:44 PM CDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Ames
2026-04-19T07:49
Arrive Maharishi Vedic City
Sun, Apr 19, 10:47 AM CDT
Route Timing
02h 57m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
10:58 AM to 12:58 PM CDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
12:34 PM CDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Ames
9:30 PM CDT
Morning start is best

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.

Mid-route stop
Pella
IA

City in Marion County, Iowa, United States

From Ames
72.8 mi
01h 28m
To Maharishi Vedic City
72.9 mi
01h 28m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
56°F
Sunday

Sunny

Starts
Sun, Apr 19 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
8 to 13 mph NW
Destination
55°F
Sunday

Sunny

Starts
Sun, Apr 19 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
10 to 15 mph NW

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Maharishi Vedic City.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Maharishi Vedic City.

  1. 1

    Start on 13th Street

    2.4 mi · 5 min · 13th Street

  2. 2

    Take the ramp right toward I 35 South: Des Moines

    1641 ft · 40 sec

  3. 3

    Merge slight left

    25.7 mi · 28 min

  4. 4

    Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport

    955 ft · 13 sec

  5. 5

    Take the exit slight left toward I 80 East: Davenport

    1.3 km · 2 min

  6. 6

    Merge slight right

    2.6 mi · 3 min

  7. 7

    Take the exit slight right toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines

    1 km · 1 min

  8. 8

    Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway

    3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway

  9. 9

    Take the exit slight right toward IA 163: East University Avenue, Pleasant Hill

    2194 ft · 55 sec

  10. 10

    Turn left onto East University Avenue

    3.3 mi · 4 min · East University Avenue

  11. 11

    Continue on Northeast University Avenue

    1.8 mi · 2 min · Northeast University Avenue

  12. 12

    Continue on East University Avenue

    96.9 mi · 1 hr 52 min · East University Avenue

  13. 13

    Take the exit slight right toward US 34 Business: Convention Center

    1956 ft · 53 sec

  14. 14

    Turn left onto Old US 34

    1.1 mi · 2 min · Old US 34

  15. 15

    Turn left onto Brookville Road

    1.3 km · 2 min · Brookville Road

  16. 16

    Turn sharp right onto West Gear Avenue

    1.3 mi · 2 min · West Gear Avenue

  17. 17

    Turn left onto Kelp Avenue

    1.5 mi · 2 min · Kelp Avenue

  18. 18

    At the end of the road, turn left onto 185th Street

    2659 ft · 1 min · 185th Street

  19. 19

    Turn right onto Jasmine Avenue

    1.5 km · 2 min · Jasmine Avenue

  20. 20

    Turn left onto Observatory Drive

    968 ft · 51 sec · Observatory Drive

  21. 21

    Continue on Observatory Drive

    63 m · 16 sec · Observatory Drive

  22. 22

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec · Observatory Drive

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Maharishi Vedic City.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Interchange-aware route

The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.

Directions
22 steps
8 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
8
3 merges, 5 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
15.1 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
East University Avenue
100 mi · 69%
I 35 South
26.2 mi · 18%
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
3.85 mi · 3%
I 80 East
3.4 mi · 2%
13th Street
2.44 mi · 2%
Northeast University Avenue
1.8 mi · 1%
Longest Stretch

East University Avenue

Continue on East University Avenue

96.9 mi · 01h 52m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
02h 57m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
05h 56m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+37.7 mi
108 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Pella
01h 28m from Ames
Leave By
12:34 PM CDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Maharishi Vedic City.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Ames to Maharishi Vedic City?

The road trip is about 145.7 miles (234.5 km) and usually takes 02h 57m 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?

Pella is a useful midpoint, sitting about 72.8 miles from Ames and 72.9 miles from Maharishi Vedic City.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 108 miles (173.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 37.7 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 12:34 PM CDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.38 one way or $38.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.7 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Maharishi Vedic City.

Stop Ideas Near Pella

Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.

Mid-route Guidance
These suggestions come from reviewed places and nearby services around Pella and the surrounding midpoint area.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Scenic stop 1.1 mi away

1882 City Hall and Fire Station

Pella , IA
604 Main St, Pella, IA 50219
Historical place museum
Pella City Hall
Meeting point 1.1 mi away

Pella City Hall

Pella , IA
825 Broadway St, Pella, IA 50219
Rating 5.0/5 1 reviews City Hall

Transit and Meeting Points

Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Pella.

RAIL

Ottumwa station

60 mi away
210 West Main Street
RAIL

Osceola

82 mi away
Main & East Clay Streets

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Maharishi Vedic City. Straight-line distance: 108.01 mi (173.83 km).

Ames

#1 Ames

The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.

Population67,033
Coordinates42.0347100, -93.6199400
Altitude287
CountryUnited States
Photo coming soon

#2 Maharishi Vedic City

Human settlement in Jefferson County, Iowa, United States of America

Population1,295
Coordinates41.0525200, -91.9949000
Altitude241
CountryUnited States
Start: Ames (-93.61994, 42.03471)
End: Maharishi Vedic City (-91.9949, 41.05252)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 235 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)04h 51m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)03h 38m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)02h 54m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)02h 25m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)02h 04m
80 mph (129 km/h)01h 49m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
5.14 gal
19.46 L · about $19.38
Round trip
$38.77
10.28 gal · 38.92 L
Estimated CO2
45.7 kg one way
Round trip: 91.4 kg / 202 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $3.77 $19.38 $38.77
Mid-grade $4.25 $21.86 $43.72
Premium $4.65 $23.92 $47.84
Diesel $5.30 $27.26 $54.53

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

There is no time difference between Ames and Maharishi Vedic City. The current time is 07:49:38.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.