How far is Ames, IA from Parkersburg, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Parkersburg, IA is about 83.2 miles (133.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 56.7 miles (91.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 22m 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 41m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Township in Hardin County, Iowa
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 Parkersburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Parkersburg.
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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
28.6 mi · 31 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2998 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left
41.8 mi · 48 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 14: Parkersburg, Grundy Center
2172 ft · 1 min
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6
Turn left onto N Avenue
6.5 mi · 10 min · N Avenue
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7
Continue on State Highway 14
1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 14
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8
Turn left onto 6th Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 6th Street
-
9
Turn right onto Coates Street
1064 ft · 52 sec · Coates Street
-
10
Turn left
19 m · 4 sec
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Parkersburg.
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 20 East
Merge slight left
41.8 mi · 00h 48m
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Parkersburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Parkersburg?
The road trip is about 83.2 miles (133.9 km) and usually takes 01h 41m 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?
Buckeye is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41.6 miles from Ames and 41.6 miles from Parkersburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 56.7 miles (91.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.5 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 3:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.09 one way or $22.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Parkersburg.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Parkersburg. Straight-line distance: 56.73 mi (91.3 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 Parkersburg
City in Butler County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,913 |
| Coordinates | 42.5774800, -92.7868600 |
| Altitude | 296 |
| Country | United States |
End: Parkersburg (-92.78686, 42.57748)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 134 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.09 | $22.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.50 | $25.01 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.68 | $27.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.59 | $31.19 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.