How far is Nashua, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Nashua, IA to Ames, IA is about 111.4 miles (179.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 84.1 miles (135.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 53m 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 56m.
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 Franklin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Nashua and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nashua and Ames.
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1
Start on Main Street
612 ft · 32 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn left onto Sample Street
1.4 km · 1 min · Sample Street
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3
Take the ramp left
1812 ft · 50 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
6.6 mi · 8 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Take the exit slight right
2162 ft · 1 min
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6
Turn right onto 140th Street
6.4 mi · 9 min · 140th Street
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7
Turn left onto Spring Avenue
4 mi · 6 min · Spring Avenue
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8
Continue on North Main Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
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9
Continue on State Highway 188
1.8 mi · 3 min · State Highway 188
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10
At the end of the road, turn right onto 210th Street
6.5 mi · 9 min · 210th Street
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11
Continue on State Highway 3
1 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
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12
Continue on 210th Street
7.4 mi · 10 min · 210th Street
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13
Continue on South Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Street
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14
Continue on 210th Street
1.8 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
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15
Continue on State Highway 3
8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 3
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16
Continue on Central Avenue East
2.1 mi · 4 min · Central Avenue East
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17
Continue on State Highway 3
9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
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18
Continue on Balsam Avenue
158 m · 13 sec · Balsam Avenue
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19
Take the ramp left toward Hampton, Clarion
1610 ft · 39 sec
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20
Merge slight left
51.4 mi · 55 min
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21
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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22
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Nashua and Ames.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Hampton
Merge slight left
51.4 mi · 00h 55m
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 Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Nashua and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Nashua to Ames?
The road trip is about 111.4 miles (179.3 km) and usually takes 01h 56m 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?
Coulter is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57.1 miles from Nashua and 54.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 84.1 miles (135.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.82 one way or $29.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Nashua and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Nashua and Ames. Straight-line distance: 84.09 mi (135.33 km).
#1 Nashua
City in Chickasaw and Floyd counties in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,571 |
| Coordinates | 42.9527500, -92.5363000 |
| Altitude | 297 |
| 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: 179 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.82 | $29.64 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.71 | $33.43 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.29 | $36.58 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.84 | $41.69 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.