How far is Ames, IA from Mount Pleasant, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Mount Pleasant, IA is about 165.6 miles (266.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 129.9 miles (209 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 34m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 17m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Mount Pleasant.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Mount Pleasant.
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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
25.7 mi · 28 min
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4
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
955 ft · 13 sec
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5
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 East: Davenport
1.3 km · 2 min
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6
Merge slight right
2.6 mi · 3 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 163: East University Avenue, Pleasant Hill
2194 ft · 55 sec
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10
Turn left onto East University Avenue
3.3 mi · 4 min · East University Avenue
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11
Continue on Northeast University Avenue
1.8 mi · 2 min · Northeast University Avenue
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12
Continue on East University Avenue
119 mi · 2 hr 17 min · East University Avenue
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 34 Business East: Mount Pleasant, Westwood
4.4 mi · 7 min
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14
Turn right onto South White Street
826 ft · 36 sec · South White Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South White Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Mount Pleasant.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
East University Avenue
Continue on East University Avenue
119 mi · 02h 17m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Ames and Chance Rain Showers near Mount Pleasant.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Mount Pleasant?
The road trip is about 165.6 miles (266.5 km) and usually takes 03h 17m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Leighton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.7 miles from Ames and 82.9 miles from Mount Pleasant.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 129.9 miles (209 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:26 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.02 one way or $44.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ames and Chance Rain Showers near Mount Pleasant.
Stop Ideas Near Leighton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Leighton.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Mount Pleasant. Straight-line distance: 129.85 mi (208.97 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 Mount Pleasant
City in Henry County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 8,508 |
| Coordinates | 40.9636400, -91.5579400 |
| Altitude | 218 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mount Pleasant (-91.55794, 40.96364)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 267 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.02 | $44.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.84 | $49.68 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.18 | $54.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.98 | $61.95 |
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.