How far is Muscatine, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Muscatine, IA to Ames, IA is about 167.5 miles (269.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.4 miles (224.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 31m 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 02h 45m.
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.
Human settlement in Benton County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Muscatine and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Muscatine and Ames.
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1
Start on Walnut Street
48 m · 11 sec · Walnut Street
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2
Turn left onto East 3rd Street
110 m · 18 sec · East 3rd Street
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3
Turn right onto Mulberry Avenue
101 m · 10 sec · Mulberry Avenue
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward East 2nd Street
59 m · 4 sec · East 2nd Street
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5
Exit the roundabout onto East 2nd Street
1 km · 1 min · East 2nd Street
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6
Continue on Park Avenue
2 mi · 4 min · Park Avenue
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7
Continue on State Highway 38
7.6 mi · 10 min · State Highway 38
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8
Continue straight
4.9 mi · 7 min
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9
Take the ramp straight
1468 ft · 36 sec
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10
Merge slight left
30.9 mi · 34 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
1850 ft · 45 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
3219 ft · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
16 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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14
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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15
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
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16
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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17
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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18
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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19
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 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 Muscatine 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 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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Muscatine and Partly Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Muscatine to Ames?
The road trip is about 167.5 miles (269.6 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Van Horne is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.6 miles from Muscatine and 83.8 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.4 miles (224.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.1 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 12:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.29 one way or $44.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Muscatine and Partly Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Van Horne
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 Van Horne.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Muscatine and Ames. Straight-line distance: 139.39 mi (224.33 km).
#1 Muscatine
City in and county seat of Muscatine County, Iowa
| Population | 23,523 |
| Coordinates | 41.4244700, -91.0432100 |
| Altitude | 177 |
| 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: 270 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.29 | $44.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.14 | $50.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.51 | $55.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.35 | $62.69 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.