How far is Camanche, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Camanche, IA to Ames, IA is about 181.9 miles (292.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 173.8 miles (279.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 07m 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 03m.
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.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Camanche and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Camanche and Ames.
-
1
Start on South Washington Boulevard
885 ft · 26 sec · South Washington Boulevard
-
2
Turn right onto 9th Avenue
1.4 mi · 3 min · 9th Avenue
-
3
Continue on 21st Street
1174 ft · 34 sec · 21st Street
-
4
Turn right onto Anamosa Road
1.3 mi · 3 min · Anamosa Road
-
5
At the end of the road, turn left onto Lincoln Way
13.8 mi · 16 min · Lincoln Way
-
6
Take the exit slight right
1.4 mi · 2 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right
158.3 mi · 3 hr 12 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
-
9
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
-
11
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Camanche and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Lincoln Way
Take the exit slight right
158 mi · 03h 12m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Camanche and Showers And Thunderstorms near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Camanche to Ames?
The road trip is about 181.9 miles (292.8 km) and usually takes 03h 03m 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 90.4 miles from Camanche and 91.5 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 173.8 miles (279.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.1 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 10:52 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.21 one way or $48.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Camanche and Showers And Thunderstorms near Ames.
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 Camanche and Ames. Straight-line distance: 173.78 mi (279.67 km).
#1 Camanche
City in Clinton County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 4,368 |
| Coordinates | 41.7880900, -90.2562400 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ames
The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,033 |
| Coordinates | 42.0347100, -93.6199400 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
End: 13th Street (-93.619967, 42.034517)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 293 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.21 | $48.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.30 | $54.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.88 | $59.76 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.05 | $68.10 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.