How far is Ames, IA from Washington, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Washington, IA is about 156.6 miles (252.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 111.7 miles (179.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 14m 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 07m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Benton County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Washington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Washington.
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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
42.2 mi · 47 min · Avenue of the Saints
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8
Take the exit slight right
1791 ft · 50 sec
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9
Turn right onto County Road G36
6.4 mi · 9 min · County Road G36
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10
Turn left onto Co Hwy W61 / Riverside Road
1.1 km · 1 min · Co Hwy W61 / Riverside Road
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11
Continue on County Highway W61
1.5 km · 2 min · County Highway W61
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12
Continue on North 12th Avenue
3137 ft · 1 min · North 12th Avenue
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13
Turn right onto East 7th Street
2676 ft · 59 sec · East 7th Street
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14
At the end of the road, turn left onto North 4th Avenue
31 m · 4 sec · North 4th Avenue
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15
Turn right onto East 7th Street
590 ft · 17 sec · East 7th Street
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16
Turn left onto North 2nd Avenue
2057 ft · 45 sec · North 2nd Avenue
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17
Turn right onto East Main Street
709 ft · 25 sec · East Main Street
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18
Turn left onto South Marion Avenue
28 m · 4 sec · South Marion Avenue
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Marion Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames and Washington.
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.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Ames and Showers And Thunderstorms near Washington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Washington?
The road trip is about 156.6 miles (252.1 km) and usually takes 03h 07m 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?
Keystone is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.2 miles from Ames and 78.4 miles from Washington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 111.7 miles (179.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.85 one way or $41.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.1 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 Washington.
Stop Ideas Near Keystone
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 Keystone.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Washington. Straight-line distance: 111.69 mi (179.74 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 Washington
City in Washington County, Kansas
| Population | 1,131 |
| Coordinates | 41.2991800, -91.6929400 |
| Altitude | 232 |
| Country | United States |
End: Washington (-91.69294, 41.29918)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 252 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.85 | $41.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.52 | $47.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.74 | $51.47 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.33 | $58.66 |
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 · 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.