How far is Manson, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Manson, IA to Ames, IA is about 80.7 miles (129.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 57.9 miles (93.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 51m 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 25m.
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.
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 Manson and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Manson and Ames.
-
1
Start on Main Street
11 m · 7 sec · Main Street
-
2
Turn left onto 10th Avenue
1599 ft · 1 min · 10th Avenue
-
3
At the end of the road, turn left onto 8th Street
1908 ft · 38 sec · 8th Street
-
4
Continue on Tabor Avenue
2635 ft · 55 sec · Tabor Avenue
-
5
Turn right onto 190th Street
8 m · 6 sec · 190th Street
-
6
Turn left onto Tabor Avenue
3 mi · 5 min · Tabor Avenue
-
7
At the end of the road, turn right onto 220th Street
1.1 km · 59 sec · 220th Street
-
8
Turn left onto Sigourney Avenue
1.6 mi · 2 min · Sigourney Avenue
-
9
Turn left
50.2 mi · 58 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
-
11
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 30 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
-
13
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Manson and Ames.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn left
50.2 mi · 00h 58m
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 Manson and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Manson to Ames?
The road trip is about 80.7 miles (129.9 km) and usually takes 01h 25m 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?
Webster City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 44.1 miles from Manson and 36.6 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 57.9 miles (93.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.8 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 3:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.75 one way or $21.49 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Manson and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Manson and Ames. Straight-line distance: 57.89 mi (93.16 km).
#1 Manson
City in Calhoun County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,529 |
| Coordinates | 42.5291400, -94.5341400 |
| Altitude | 378 |
| 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: 130 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.75 | $21.49 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.12 | $24.24 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.26 | $26.53 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.12 | $30.23 |
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.