How far is Mediapolis, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Mediapolis, IA to Ames, IA is about 187.8 miles (302.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 145.5 miles (234.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 04m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Benton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mediapolis and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mediapolis and Ames.
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1
Start on North Orchard Street
22 m · 5 sec · North Orchard Street
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2
Turn right onto Main Street
1946 ft · 39 sec · Main Street
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3
Turn straight onto Mediapolis Road
955 ft · 21 sec · Mediapolis Road
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4
Take the ramp right toward US 61 north: Muscatine
1543 ft · 42 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto US Highway 61
12.4 mi · 14 min · US Highway 61
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6
Continue on North Baxter Street
6.1 mi · 7 min · North Baxter Street
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IA 92 west, CR G48 east: Grandview, Columbus Junction
1592 ft · 46 sec
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8
Turn left onto State Highway 92
8.3 mi · 12 min · State Highway 92
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9
Continue on Oak Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Oak Street
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10
Continue on State Highway 92
8.6 mi · 13 min · State Highway 92
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11
Take the ramp left
1577 ft · 43 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
46.2 mi · 52 min · Avenue of the Saints
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West, US 151 South, US 218 North: Tama
33.7 mi · 40 min
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14
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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16
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 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 Mediapolis 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 longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Mediapolis 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 Mediapolis to Ames?
The road trip is about 187.8 miles (302.3 km) and usually takes 03h 04m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Atkins is a useful midpoint, sitting about 93.8 miles from Mediapolis and 94.1 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 145.5 miles (234.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:52 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.00 one way or $50.00 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Mediapolis and Showers And Thunderstorms near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Atkins
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 Atkins.
Mount Pleasant
Ottumwa station
Davenport, Iowa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mediapolis and Ames. Straight-line distance: 145.5 mi (234.16 km).
#1 Mediapolis
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,514 |
| Coordinates | 41.0080900, -91.1640400 |
| Altitude | 235 |
| 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: 302 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.00 | $50.00 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.20 | $56.39 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.86 | $61.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.17 | $70.33 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.