How far is Ames, IA from Norwalk, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Norwalk, IA is about 45.7 miles (73.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.8 miles (62.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 06m 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 03m.
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.
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
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 Norwalk.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Norwalk.
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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 left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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5
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
2057 ft · 56 sec
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8
Turn left onto East 6th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · East 6th Street
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9
Continue on Southeast 6th Street
1734 ft · 39 sec · Southeast 6th Street
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10
Turn right onto Scott Avenue
1563 ft · 31 sec · Scott Avenue
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11
Continue on Southeast 1st Street
2844 ft · 1 min · Southeast 1st Street
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12
Continue on Indianola Road
2890 ft · 1 min · Indianola Road
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13
Turn left onto Bancroft Street
721 ft · 17 sec · Bancroft Street
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14
Turn right onto Southwest 9th Street
5.5 mi · 10 min · Southwest 9th Street
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15
Continue on County Road R63
1.2 mi · 2 min · County Road R63
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16
Turn right onto County Road G14
1.4 mi · 2 min · County Road G14
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17
Continue on North Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · North Avenue
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18
Turn right onto Main Street
25 m · 4 sec · Main Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Norwalk.
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 South
Merge slight left
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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 near Norwalk.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Norwalk?
The road trip is about 45.7 miles (73.6 km) and usually takes 01h 03m 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?
Ankeny is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.9 miles from Ames and 22.9 miles from Norwalk.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.8 miles (62.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.9 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 4:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.07 one way or $12.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.3 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 Norwalk.
Stop Ideas Near Ankeny
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 Ankeny.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Norwalk. Straight-line distance: 38.75 mi (62.37 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 Norwalk
City in Warren County and Polk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 12,449 |
| Coordinates | 41.4755500, -93.6788300 |
| Altitude | 288 |
| Country | United States |
End: Norwalk (-93.67883, 41.47555)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 74 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.07 | $12.14 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.85 | $13.69 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.49 | $14.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.54 | $17.08 |
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.