How far is Ames, IA from Shell Rock, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Shell Rock, IA is about 98.1 miles (157.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 70.6 miles (113.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 07m 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 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.
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Shell Rock.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Shell Rock.
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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
51.8 mi · 56 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward IA 3: Hampton, Clarion
2550 ft · 1 min
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4
Turn right onto State Highway 3
8.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
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5
Continue on Central Avenue West
2.1 mi · 4 min · Central Avenue West
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6
Continue on State Highway 3
8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 3
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7
Continue on 210th Street
1.8 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
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8
Continue on South Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Street
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9
Continue on 210th Street
7.4 mi · 10 min · 210th Street
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10
Continue on State Highway 3
1 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
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11
Continue on 210th Street
8.8 mi · 12 min · 210th Street
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12
Continue on State Highway 3
1.6 mi · 2 min · State Highway 3
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13
Turn right onto Old Hwy 3
71 m · 10 sec · Old Hwy 3
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14
Turn left onto West Main Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · West Main Street
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15
Turn right onto South Cherry Street
90 m · 10 sec · South Cherry Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Cherry Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Shell Rock.
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 North
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
51.8 mi · 00h 56m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Shell Rock.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Shell Rock?
The road trip is about 98.1 miles (157.8 km) and usually takes 02h 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?
Dows is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49 miles from Ames and 49.1 miles from Shell Rock.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 70.6 miles (113.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.5 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 2:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.05 one way or $26.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Shell Rock.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Shell Rock. Straight-line distance: 70.57 mi (113.57 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 Shell Rock
City in Butler County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,268 |
| Coordinates | 42.7102600, -92.5829700 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
End: Shell Rock (-92.58297, 42.71026)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 158 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.05 | $26.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.72 | $29.43 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.10 | $32.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.35 | $36.70 |
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.