How far is Ames, IA from Onawa, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Onawa, IA is about 138.9 miles (223.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.1 miles (204.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 31m 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 15m.
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.
City in Carroll County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Onawa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Onawa.
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1
Start on 13th Street
36 m · 11 sec · 13th Street
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2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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3
Continue on South Grand Avenue
1342 ft · 37 sec · South Grand Avenue
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4
Turn right onto South 4th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South 4th Street
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5
Turn left onto University Boulevard
1.1 mi · 2 min · University Boulevard
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6
Take the ramp right toward US 30 west: Boone
1728 ft · 42 sec
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7
Merge slight left
62.2 mi · 1 hr 21 min
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8
Continue on US 30
29.8 mi · 45 min · US 30
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9
Keep slight right to continue on US 59 North, IA 141 West: Ida Grove
108 m · 13 sec
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10
Turn straight onto 260th Street
1303 ft · 22 sec · 260th Street
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11
Continue on George P. Soumas Memorial Highway
2.3 mi · 3 min · George P. Soumas Memorial Highway
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12
Turn left onto M Avenue
4.5 mi · 6 min · M Avenue
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13
Turn straight onto George P. Soumas Memorial Highway
10.5 mi · 14 min · George P. Soumas Memorial Highway
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14
Continue on 210th Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
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15
Continue on East 1st Street
1466 ft · 41 sec · East 1st Street
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16
Turn left onto South Monona Avenue
6.5 mi · 10 min · South Monona Avenue
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17
Turn right onto State Highway 37
10.1 mi · 14 min · State Highway 37
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18
Continue on State Highway 175
6.8 mi · 9 min · State Highway 175
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19
Continue on Iowa Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · Iowa Avenue
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20
Turn left onto 10th Street
9 m · 1 sec · 10th Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 10th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Onawa.
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 west
Merge slight left
62.2 mi · 01h 21m
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Onawa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Onawa?
The road trip is about 138.9 miles (223.5 km) and usually takes 03h 15m 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?
Carroll is a useful midpoint, sitting about 69.3 miles from Ames and 69.6 miles from Onawa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.1 miles (204.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.8 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 10:28 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.48 one way or $36.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Onawa.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Onawa. Straight-line distance: 127.14 mi (204.61 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 Onawa
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,766 |
| Coordinates | 42.0266500, -96.0972400 |
| Altitude | 320 |
| Country | United States |
End: Onawa (-96.09724, 42.02665)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 224 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.48 | $36.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.84 | $41.68 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.80 | $45.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.99 | $51.98 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.