How far is Monona, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Monona, IA to Ames, IA is about 185.4 miles (298.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.5 miles (214.9 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.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The most populous city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
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 Monona and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monona and Ames.
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1
Start on East Iowa Street
49 m · 8 sec · East Iowa Street
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2
Turn left onto South Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · South Main Street
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3
Turn left
5 mi · 7 min
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4
Turn right
1.5 km · 1 min
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5
Turn right onto State Highway 13
25.4 mi · 35 min · State Highway 13
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6
Continue on Elkader Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Elkader Street
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7
Turn right onto West Mission Street
1.3 km · 1 min · West Mission Street
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8
Continue on State Highway 3
2.9 mi · 4 min · State Highway 3
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9
Continue on 40th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 40th Street
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward C Avenue
64 m · 3 sec · C Avenue
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11
Exit the roundabout onto C Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · C Avenue
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12
Continue on Washburn Avenue
12.3 mi · 17 min · Washburn Avenue
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13
Take the ramp right
1861 ft · 45 sec
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14
Merge slight left
33.8 mi · 39 min
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15
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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16
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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17
Merge slight left
28.6 mi · 31 min
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18
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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19
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Monona 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 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.
Sunny leaving Monona and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Monona to Ames?
The road trip is about 185.4 miles (298.4 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?
Waterloo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 93.1 miles from Monona and 92.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.5 miles (214.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.9 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 $24.66 one way or $49.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Monona and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Monona and Ames. Straight-line distance: 133.53 mi (214.89 km).
#1 Monona
Township in Clayton County, Iowa
| Population | 1,462 |
| Coordinates | 43.0516500, -91.3893000 |
| Altitude | 370 |
| 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: 298 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.66 | $49.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.81 | $55.63 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.44 | $60.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.69 | $69.38 |
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.