How far is Coralville, IA from Ames, IA?
Fastest route
The distance from Coralville, Iowa to Ames, Iowa is approximately 124 miles (199.5 kilometers), and the estimated travel time is 1 hour and 58 minutes. The suggested route is via US-30 W. Below are some tips and directions for the journey.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Take the US-30 W route for a faster and more convenient journey.
- 🛣️ Follow I-380 N and US-30 W to S University Blvd in Ames for a smoother ride.
- ⛽ Make sure to refuel before starting the trip to avoid unnecessary stops along the way.
Directions
- Get on I-80 W.
- Head south on Coral Ridge Ave toward Commerce Dr.
- Turn right to merge onto I-80 W.
- Follow I-380 N and US-30 W to S University Blvd in Ames.
- Take exit 146 from US-30 W.
- Merge onto IA-27 N/US-218 N.
- Continue onto I-380 N/IA-27 N/US-218 N.
- Take exit 16B for US-30 W/US-218 S/US-151 N toward Tama.
- Merge onto US-151 S/US-218 N/US-30 W.
- Continue to follow US-30 W.
- Continue straight to stay on US-30 W.
- Take exit 146 toward Iowa State Univ.
- Continue on S University Blvd to your destination.
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 06m.
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 Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Coralville and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Coralville and Ames.
-
1
Start on 12th Avenue
45 m · 33 sec · 12th Avenue
-
2
Continue on 12th Avenue
885 ft · 34 sec · 12th Avenue
-
3
Turn right onto 2nd Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · 2nd Street
-
4
Turn right onto Coral Ridge Avenue
2193 ft · 49 sec · Coral Ridge Avenue
-
5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 80 West: Des Moines
2294 ft · 56 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
1.2 km · 53 sec
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
1850 ft · 45 sec
-
8
Keep slight right to continue on I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
3219 ft · 1 min
-
9
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
16 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West, US 151 South, US 218 North: Tama
33.7 mi · 40 min
-
11
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
-
13
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
-
15
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Coralville and Ames.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Lincoln Highway
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 01h 16m
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 Coralville and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Coralville to Ames?
The road trip is about 125 miles (201.1 km) and usually takes 02h 06m 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?
Vining is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.2 miles from Coralville and 62.8 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 107.8 miles (173.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.2 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 2:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.63 one way or $33.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Coralville and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Vining
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 Vining.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Coralville and Ames. Straight-line distance: 107.83 mi (173.54 km).
#1 Coralville
City in Johnson County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 22,484 |
| Coordinates | 41.6764000, -91.5804500 |
| Altitude | 208 |
| 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: 201 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.63 | $33.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.76 | $37.51 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.52 | $41.05 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.39 | $46.78 |
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.