How far is Ames, IA from Manchester, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Manchester, IA is about 143.2 miles (230.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115 miles (185 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 36m 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 02h 48m.
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.
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 Manchester.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Manchester.
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1
Start on 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
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2
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
28.6 mi · 31 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2998 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left
71.7 mi · 1 hr 23 min
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5
Keep slight left
36.6 mi · 42 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
1887 ft · 53 sec
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7
Turn left onto State Highway 13
1.4 mi · 2 min · State Highway 13
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8
Turn right onto West Main Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · West Main Street
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9
Turn left onto North Tama Street
18 m · 3 sec · North Tama Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Tama Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Manchester.
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 20 East
Merge slight left
71.7 mi · 01h 23m
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 leaving Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Manchester.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Manchester?
The road trip is about 143.2 miles (230.5 km) and usually takes 02h 48m 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?
Holland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.5 miles from Ames and 71.7 miles from Manchester.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115 miles (185 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.2 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 12:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.04 one way or $38.09 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Manchester.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Manchester. Straight-line distance: 114.95 mi (185 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 Manchester
City in Delaware County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,004 |
| Coordinates | 42.4841500, -91.4554300 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
End: Manchester (-91.45543, 42.48415)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 230 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.04 | $38.09 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.48 | $42.96 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.50 | $47.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.79 | $53.57 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.