How far is Ames, IA from Nashua, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Nashua, IA is about 114.5 miles (184.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 84.1 miles (135.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 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 02h 27m.
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 Franklin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Nashua.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Nashua.
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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
51.8 mi · 56 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward IA 3: Hampton, Clarion
2550 ft · 1 min
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4
Turn right onto State Highway 3
8.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
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5
Continue on Central Avenue West
2.1 mi · 4 min · Central Avenue West
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6
Continue on State Highway 3
8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 3
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7
Continue on 210th Street
1.8 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
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8
Continue on South Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Street
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9
Continue on 210th Street
7.4 mi · 10 min · 210th Street
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10
Continue on State Highway 3
1 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
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11
Continue on 210th Street
6.5 mi · 9 min · 210th Street
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12
Turn left onto State Highway 188
1.8 mi · 3 min · State Highway 188
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13
Continue on South Main Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
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14
Continue on Spring Avenue
4 mi · 6 min · Spring Avenue
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15
Turn right onto 140th Street
6.6 mi · 10 min · 140th Street
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16
Take the ramp left
2081 ft · 57 sec
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17
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
6.6 mi · 8 min · Avenue of the Saints
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18
Take the exit slight right
2050 ft · 57 sec
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19
Turn right onto Sample Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Sample Street
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20
Turn right onto Main Street
612 ft · 27 sec · Main Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Nashua.
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
51.8 mi · 00h 56m
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 Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Nashua.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Nashua?
The road trip is about 114.5 miles (184.3 km) and usually takes 02h 27m 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?
Coulter is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57.2 miles from Ames and 57.3 miles from Nashua.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 84.1 miles (135.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.4 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 1:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.23 one way or $30.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ames and Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Nashua.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Nashua. Straight-line distance: 84.09 mi (135.33 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 Nashua
City in Chickasaw and Floyd counties in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,571 |
| Coordinates | 42.9527500, -92.5363000 |
| Altitude | 297 |
| Country | United States |
End: Nashua (-92.5363, 42.95275)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 184 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.23 | $30.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.18 | $34.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.80 | $37.60 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.43 | $42.86 |
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.