How far is Ames, IA from Ottumwa, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Ottumwa, IA is about 117.9 miles (189.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 94 miles (151.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 41m 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 20m.
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 Jasper County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Ottumwa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Ottumwa.
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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
70.5 mi · 1 hr 21 min · East University Avenue
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13
Take the exit slight right
1937 ft · 48 sec
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14
Turn right onto Old US Highway 63
2.6 mi · 3 min · Old US Highway 63
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15
Continue on South Wapello Street
2.2 mi · 3 min · South Wapello Street
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16
Turn left onto West Fourth Street
1163 ft · 27 sec · West Fourth Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Fourth Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Ottumwa.
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
70.5 mi · 01h 21m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms near Ottumwa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Ottumwa?
The road trip is about 117.9 miles (189.8 km) and usually takes 02h 20m 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?
Monroe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.9 miles from Ames and 59 miles from Ottumwa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 94 miles (151.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.9 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 1:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.69 one way or $31.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms near Ottumwa.
Stop Ideas Near Monroe
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Colfax City Hall
Hartford City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Monroe.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Ottumwa. Straight-line distance: 93.93 mi (151.17 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 Ottumwa
City in Iowa
| Population | 24,375 |
| Coordinates | 41.0200100, -92.4113000 |
| Altitude | 205 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ottumwa (-92.4113, 41.02001)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 190 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.69 | $31.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.69 | $35.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.36 | $38.72 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.06 | $44.13 |
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.