How far is Mount Vernon, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Mount Vernon, IA to Ames, IA is about 117.4 miles (188.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 113.4 miles (182.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 51m 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 01h 55m.
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 Tokyo, Japan
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 Mount Vernon and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mount Vernon and Ames.
-
1
Start on the route
23 m · 10 sec
-
2
Turn left
20 m · 11 sec
-
3
Turn left onto 1st Street East
70 m · 14 sec · 1st Street East
-
4
Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
2046 ft · 35 sec · 1st Avenue South
-
5
Continue on State Highway 1
690 ft · 20 sec · State Highway 1
-
6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward State Highway 1
37 m · 6 sec · State Highway 1
-
7
Exit the roundabout onto State Highway 1
1769 ft · 30 sec · State Highway 1
-
8
Take the ramp right toward US 30 west: Cedar Rapids
16.2 mi · 19 min
-
9
Continue straight
95.7 mi · 1 hr 51 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
-
11
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
-
13
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mount Vernon 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.
US 30 west
Continue straight
95.7 mi · 01h 51m
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.
Sunny leaving Mount Vernon and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mount Vernon to Ames?
The road trip is about 117.4 miles (188.9 km) and usually takes 01h 55m 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?
Tama is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.6 miles from Mount Vernon and 58.8 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 113.4 miles (182.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 4 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 2:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.61 one way or $31.22 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Mount Vernon and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Tama
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 Tama.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mount Vernon and Ames. Straight-line distance: 113.43 mi (182.54 km).
#1 Mount Vernon
City in Linn County, Iowa
| Population | 4,528 |
| Coordinates | 41.9219500, -91.4168400 |
| Altitude | 268 |
| 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: 189 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.61 | $31.22 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.61 | $35.21 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.27 | $38.54 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.96 | $43.92 |
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.