How far is Ames, IA from Pleasant Hill, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Pleasant Hill, IA is about 36.9 miles (59.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 31.6 miles (50.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 40m 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 00h 50m.
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 Polk 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 Pleasant Hill.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Pleasant Hill.
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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
1.9 mi · 2 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Guthrie Avenue
1472 ft · 38 sec
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7
Turn right onto Guthrie Avenue
830 ft · 22 sec · Guthrie Avenue
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8
Turn left onto Delaware Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Delaware Avenue
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9
Continue on East 21st Street
1165 ft · 42 sec · East 21st Street
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10
Turn left onto East University Avenue
1.1 mi · 3 min · East University Avenue
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11
Turn right onto East 30th Street
1 km · 2 min · East 30th Street
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12
Turn left onto Dean Avenue
1.5 mi · 3 min · Dean Avenue
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13
Continue on Fairview Drive
2694 ft · 1 min · Fairview Drive
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14
Turn right onto North Pleasant Hill Boulevard
2253 ft · 1 min · North Pleasant Hill Boulevard
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15
Turn left onto Doanes Park Road
19 m · 5 sec · Doanes Park Road
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Doanes Park Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Pleasant Hill.
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Pleasant Hill.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Pleasant Hill?
The road trip is about 36.9 miles (59.4 km) and usually takes 00h 50m 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?
Alleman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 18.5 miles from Ames and 18.5 miles from Pleasant Hill.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 31.6 miles (50.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.3 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 4:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.90 one way or $9.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Pleasant Hill.
Stop Ideas Near Alleman
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 Alleman.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Pleasant Hill. Straight-line distance: 31.57 mi (50.81 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 Pleasant Hill
American city in Iowa
| Population | 10,025 |
| Coordinates | 41.5838800, -93.5199400 |
| Altitude | 267 |
| Country | United States |
End: Pleasant Hill (-93.51994, 41.58388)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 59 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.90 | $9.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.53 | $11.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.05 | $12.10 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.90 | $13.79 |
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.