How far is Ames, IA from Manly, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Manly, IA is about 100.5 miles (161.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 89.1 miles (143.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 49m 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 54m.
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 Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Manly.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Manly.
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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
89.8 mi · 1 hr 37 min
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3
Take the exit slight right
2004 ft · 49 sec
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4
Turn right onto State Highway 9
6.9 mi · 9 min · State Highway 9
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5
Continue on West South Street
2625 ft · 1 min · West South Street
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6
Turn sharp left onto South Todd Street
1313 ft · 59 sec · South Todd Street
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7
Turn right
77 m · 19 sec
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Manly.
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 North
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
89.8 mi · 01h 37m
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 Patchy Fog then Sunny near Manly.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Manly?
The road trip is about 100.5 miles (161.7 km) and usually takes 01h 54m 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?
Dows is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50.3 miles from Ames and 50.2 miles from Manly.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 89.1 miles (143.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.4 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 2:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.39 one way or $26.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Patchy Fog then Sunny near Manly.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Manly. Straight-line distance: 89.1 mi (143.4 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 Manly
American city in Iowa
| Population | 1,271 |
| Coordinates | 43.2871800, -93.2021500 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| Country | United States |
End: Manly (-93.20215, 43.28718)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 162 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.39 | $26.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.10 | $30.20 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.52 | $33.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.83 | $37.66 |
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.