How far is Ames, IA from Wapello, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Wapello, IA is about 175.5 miles (282.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 138.9 miles (223.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 03m 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 31m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Wapello.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Wapello.
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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
1.6 mi · 2 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 East: Nevada
1254 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
99.3 mi · 1 hr 55 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City, Airport
2293 ft · 39 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
45.8 mi · 52 min · Avenue of the Saints
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8
Take the exit slight right
1847 ft · 53 sec
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9
Turn right onto State Highway 92
8.8 mi · 13 min · State Highway 92
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10
Continue on Oak Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Oak Street
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11
Continue on State Highway 92
8.1 mi · 12 min · State Highway 92
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12
Take the ramp right toward US 61 south: Burlington
1456 ft · 36 sec
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13
Merge slight left
6.5 mi · 7 min
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14
Turn left onto Franklin Street
2623 ft · 58 sec · Franklin Street
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15
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
676 ft · 30 sec · North 2nd Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Wapello.
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 East
Merge slight left
99.3 mi · 01h 55m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Ames and Mostly Sunny near Wapello.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Wapello?
The road trip is about 175.5 miles (282.5 km) and usually takes 03h 31m 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?
Newhall is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.7 miles from Ames and 87.9 miles from Wapello.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 138.9 miles (223.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.6 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 9:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.34 one way or $46.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ames and Mostly Sunny near Wapello.
Stop Ideas Near Newhall
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 Newhall.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Wapello. Straight-line distance: 138.9 mi (223.53 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 Wapello
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,999 |
| Coordinates | 41.1814200, -91.1854300 |
| Altitude | 177 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wapello (-91.18543, 41.18142)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 282 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.34 | $46.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.33 | $52.65 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.81 | $57.62 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.83 | $65.66 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.