How far is Ames, IA from Marengo, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Marengo, IA is about 91.8 miles (147.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 81.3 miles (130.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 54m 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 57m.
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 Marshall 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 Marengo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Marengo.
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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
66.3 mi · 1 hr 17 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
1863 ft · 52 sec
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7
Turn right
5.2 mi · 8 min
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8
Turn right onto 7th Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · 7th Avenue
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9
Continue on 11th Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · 11th Avenue
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10
Continue on State Highway 21
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 21
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11
Keep slight left
11.7 mi · 17 min
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12
Turn left onto Western Avenue
88 m · 15 sec · Western Avenue
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13
Turn right onto West Marion Street
951 ft · 47 sec · West Marion Street
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14
Turn left
41 m · 10 sec
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Marengo.
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
66.3 mi · 01h 17m
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 Marengo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Marengo?
The road trip is about 91.8 miles (147.8 km) and usually takes 01h 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?
Le Grand is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45.9 miles from Ames and 46 miles from Marengo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 81.3 miles (130.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.5 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 2:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.22 one way or $24.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Marengo.
Stop Ideas Near Le Grand
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 Le Grand.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Marengo. Straight-line distance: 81.31 mi (130.86 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 Marengo
Town and county of Iowa County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,466 |
| Coordinates | 41.7980600, -92.0707400 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| Country | United States |
End: Marengo (-92.07074, 41.79806)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 148 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.22 | $24.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.78 | $27.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.08 | $30.16 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.18 | $34.37 |
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.