How far is Monroe, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Monroe, IA to Ames, IA is about 59.2 miles (95.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.4 miles (71.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 59m 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 00h 59m.
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.
City in Polk County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Monroe and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monroe and Ames.
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1
Start on North Monroe Street
22 m · 7 sec · North Monroe Street
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2
Turn left onto Washington Street
1222 ft · 54 sec · Washington Street
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3
Turn right onto State Highway 163
2 mi · 3 min · State Highway 163
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4
Take the ramp right
1750 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight right
20.1 mi · 23 min
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6
Take the exit right
2180 ft · 53 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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8
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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11
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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12
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 28 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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15
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Monroe 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.
I 35 North
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Monroe 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 Monroe to Ames?
The road trip is about 59.2 miles (95.2 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
Saylorville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.5 miles from Monroe and 29.7 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44.4 miles (71.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.8 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 4:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.88 one way or $15.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Monroe and Showers And Thunderstorms near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Saylorville
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 Saylorville.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Monroe and Ames. Straight-line distance: 44.35 mi (71.37 km).
#1 Monroe
City in Jasper County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,905 |
| Coordinates | 41.5222100, -93.1018700 |
| Altitude | 282 |
| 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: 95 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.88 | $15.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.89 | $17.78 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.73 | $19.45 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.09 | $22.17 |
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.