How far is Manchester, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Manchester, IA to Ames, IA is about 143.2 miles (230.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115 miles (185 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 30m 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 02h 15m.
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 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 Manchester and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Manchester and Ames.
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1
Start on North Tama Street
18 m · 5 sec · North Tama Street
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2
Turn right onto East Main Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
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3
Turn left onto State Highway 13
1.2 mi · 2 min · State Highway 13
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4
Take the ramp right
1792 ft · 44 sec
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5
Merge slight left
42.3 mi · 49 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
66.5 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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8
Merge slight left
28.6 mi · 31 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 51 sec
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10
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Manchester and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
66.5 mi · 01h 17m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Manchester 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 Manchester to Ames?
The road trip is about 143.2 miles (230.5 km) and usually takes 02h 15m 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?
Holland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.5 miles from Manchester and 71.7 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115 miles (185 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.2 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 2:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.04 one way or $38.09 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Manchester and Showers And Thunderstorms near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Manchester and Ames. Straight-line distance: 114.95 mi (185 km).
#1 Manchester
City in Delaware County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,004 |
| Coordinates | 42.4841500, -91.4554300 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| 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: 230 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.04 | $38.09 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.48 | $42.96 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.50 | $47.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.79 | $53.57 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.