How far is Ames, IA from Marshalltown, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Marshalltown, IA is about 41.4 miles (66.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.5 miles (58.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 30m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 45m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Story County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Marshalltown.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Marshalltown.
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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
33.7 mi · 39 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
1990 ft · 55 sec
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7
Turn left onto South Center Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · South Center Street
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8
Turn right onto East Anson Street
1329 ft · 30 sec · East Anson Street
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9
Turn left onto South 3rd Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · South 3rd Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 3rd Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Marshalltown.
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
33.7 mi · 00h 39m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Ames and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Marshalltown.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Marshalltown?
The road trip is about 41.4 miles (66.6 km) and usually takes 00h 45m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Colo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21 miles from Ames and 20.3 miles from Marshalltown.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36.5 miles (58.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.51 one way or $11.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Ames and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Marshalltown.
Stop Ideas Near Colo
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 Colo.
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Marshalltown. Straight-line distance: 36.55 mi (58.82 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 Marshalltown
City in Marshal County, Iowa
| Population | 26,736 |
| Coordinates | 42.0494300, -92.9079800 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
End: North 3rd Avenue (-92.908043, 42.04943)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 67 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.51 | $11.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.21 | $12.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.79 | $13.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.74 | $15.49 |
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 · May 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.