How far is Marshalltown, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Marshalltown, IA to Ames, IA is about 40 miles (64.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.5 miles (58.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 24m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 42m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Story County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Marshalltown and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Marshalltown and Ames.
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1
Start on North 3rd Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · North 3rd Avenue
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2
Turn right onto East Anson Street
1329 ft · 30 sec · East Anson Street
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3
Turn left onto South Center Street
2.3 mi · 4 min · South Center Street
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4
Take the ramp right
1997 ft · 49 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
33.3 mi · 39 min · Lincoln Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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9
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Marshalltown 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
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
33.3 mi · 00h 39m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Marshalltown and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Marshalltown to Ames?
The road trip is about 40 miles (64.3 km) and usually takes 00h 42m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Colo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.8 miles from Marshalltown and 19.1 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36.5 miles (58.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.32 one way or $10.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Marshalltown and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Colo
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 Colo.
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Marshalltown and Ames. Straight-line distance: 36.55 mi (58.82 km).
#1 Marshalltown
City in Marshal County, Iowa
| Population | 26,736 |
| Coordinates | 42.0494300, -92.9079800 |
| 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: 64 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.32 | $10.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.00 | $11.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.56 | $13.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.48 | $14.96 |
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.