How far is Ames, IA from Monticello, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Monticello, IA is about 142.4 miles (229.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 125.5 miles (201.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 44m 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 52m.
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.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Monticello.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Monticello.
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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
92.6 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
1.6 km · 2 min
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7
Continue straight
9.4 mi · 11 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on Collins Road Northeast
5.9 mi · 8 min · Collins Road Northeast
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9
Turn left
1.1 mi · 2 min
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10
Turn right onto Marion Airport Road
24.1 mi · 28 min · Marion Airport Road
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11
Continue on 200th Avenue
1.4 km · 1 min · 200th Avenue
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12
Take the exit slight right
1764 ft · 49 sec
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13
Turn left onto Amber Road
2018 ft · 40 sec · Amber Road
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14
Continue on South Main Street
1.9 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
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15
Turn left onto East 1st Street
846 ft · 16 sec · East 1st Street
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16
Turn right onto North Maple Street
22 m · 3 sec · North Maple Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Maple Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Monticello.
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
92.6 mi · 01h 47m
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.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Ames and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Monticello.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Monticello?
The road trip is about 142.4 miles (229.1 km) and usually takes 02h 52m 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?
Elberon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71 miles from Ames and 71.3 miles from Monticello.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 125.5 miles (201.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.93 one way or $37.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ames and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Monticello.
Stop Ideas Near Elberon
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 Elberon.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Monticello. Straight-line distance: 125.44 mi (201.87 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 Monticello
City in Jones County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,873 |
| Coordinates | 42.2383400, -91.1870900 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| Country | United States |
End: Monticello (-91.18709, 42.23834)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 229 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.93 | $37.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.35 | $42.70 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.36 | $46.73 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.63 | $53.25 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.