How far is Knoxville, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Knoxville, IA to Ames, IA is about 70 miles (112.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 55.9 miles (90 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 19m 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 01h 09m.
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.
City in Polk County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Knoxville and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Knoxville and Ames.
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1
Start on North Lincoln Street
11 m · 3 sec · North Lincoln Street
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2
Turn right onto West Pleasant Street
2673 ft · 53 sec · West Pleasant Street
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3
Continue on McKimber Street
1255 ft · 25 sec · McKimber Street
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4
Continue on McKimber Drive
2817 ft · 56 sec · McKimber Drive
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5
Take the ramp straight
3148 ft · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left
6.7 mi · 8 min
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7
Turn right
575 ft · 7 sec
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8
Continue on State Highway 5
18.2 mi · 21 min · State Highway 5
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9
Take the exit slight right
2879 ft · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
10.3 mi · 12 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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11
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
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12
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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14
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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15
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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16
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 28 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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18
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Knoxville 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.
I 35 North
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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 Knoxville and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Knoxville to Ames?
The road trip is about 70 miles (112.7 km) and usually takes 01h 09m 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?
Altoona is a useful midpoint, sitting about 34.9 miles from Knoxville and 35.1 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 55.9 miles (90 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.31 one way or $18.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Knoxville and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Altoona
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 Altoona.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Knoxville and Ames. Straight-line distance: 55.92 mi (90 km).
#1 Knoxville
City in and seat of Marion County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 7,082 |
| Coordinates | 41.3208300, -93.1093700 |
| Altitude | 277 |
| 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: 113 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.31 | $18.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.50 | $21.01 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.50 | $22.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.10 | $26.20 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.