How far is Maquoketa, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Maquoketa, IA to Ames, IA is about 168.4 miles (271 km), with a travel time of about 02h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 151.6 miles (243.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 43m 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 51m.
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 Benton County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Maquoketa and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Maquoketa and Ames.
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1
Start on South Main Street
38 m · 10 sec · South Main Street
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2
Turn left onto West Platt Street
1.6 km · 2 min · West Platt Street
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3
Continue on State Highway 64
8.8 mi · 13 min · State Highway 64
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4
Continue on Railroad Street
2.4 mi · 3 min · Railroad Street
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5
Continue on State Highway 64
6.1 mi · 9 min · State Highway 64
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6
Continue on Isabel Street
927 ft · 20 sec · Isabel Street
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7
Turn right onto East Main Street
1.6 km · 1 min · East Main Street
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8
Continue on State Highway 64
13.7 mi · 20 min · State Highway 64
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9
Continue on Highway 64 East
2558 ft · 47 sec · Highway 64 East
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10
Continue on East 3rd Street
937 ft · 25 sec · East 3rd Street
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11
Take the ramp left
1772 ft · 49 sec
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12
Merge slight left
16.3 mi · 19 min
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13
Turn left
1.1 mi · 2 min
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14
Turn right
15.2 mi · 19 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown
1.2 km · 1 min
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16
Merge slight left onto 16th Avenue Southwest
2.4 mi · 3 min · 16th Avenue Southwest
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17
Continue on 73rd Street
24.4 mi · 28 min · 73rd Street
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18
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
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19
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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20
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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21
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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22
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Maquoketa 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.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Maquoketa and Partly Cloudy near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Maquoketa to Ames?
The road trip is about 168.4 miles (271 km) and usually takes 02h 51m 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?
Van Horne is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.2 miles from Maquoketa and 86.2 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 151.6 miles (243.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.8 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 12:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.40 one way or $44.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Maquoketa and Partly Cloudy near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Van Horne
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 Van Horne.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Maquoketa and Ames. Straight-line distance: 151.58 mi (243.94 km).
#1 Maquoketa
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 5,924 |
| Coordinates | 42.0689100, -90.6656900 |
| Altitude | 214 |
| 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: 271 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.40 | $44.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.26 | $50.53 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.64 | $55.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.51 | $63.01 |
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 · May 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.