How far is Norwalk, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Norwalk, IA to Ames, IA is about 52.5 miles (84.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.8 miles (62.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 49m 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 54m.
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.
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Norwalk and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Norwalk and Ames.
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1
Start on Main Street
25 m · 9 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn left onto North Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · North Avenue
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3
Continue on County Road G14
1.4 mi · 2 min · County Road G14
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto County Road R63
1.2 mi · 2 min · County Road R63
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5
Continue on Southwest 9th Street
5.9 mi · 11 min · Southwest 9th Street
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6
Turn straight onto Southwest 9th Street
566 ft · 13 sec · Southwest 9th Street
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7
Continue on Southwest 8th Street
1264 ft · 27 sec · Southwest 8th Street
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8
Continue on 8th Street
2373 ft · 55 sec · 8th Street
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9
Turn right onto Locust Street
1 mi · 2 min · Locust Street
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10
At the end of the road, turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1493 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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11
Take the ramp right toward I-235 east
1622 ft · 36 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on US 69: East 14th Street, East 15th Street
1.6 km · 2 min
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13
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
4.8 mi · 6 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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14
Continue straight
25.1 mi · 28 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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16
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Norwalk 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.
John MacVicar Freeway
Continue straight
25.1 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 Rain Showers leaving Norwalk 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 Norwalk to Ames?
The road trip is about 52.5 miles (84.5 km) and usually takes 00h 54m 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?
Ankeny is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.9 miles from Norwalk and 29.6 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.8 miles (62.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.7 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 4:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.98 one way or $13.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Norwalk and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Ankeny
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 Ankeny.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Norwalk and Ames. Straight-line distance: 38.75 mi (62.37 km).
#1 Norwalk
City in Warren County and Polk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 12,449 |
| Coordinates | 41.4755500, -93.6788300 |
| Altitude | 288 |
| 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: 85 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.98 | $13.95 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.87 | $15.74 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.61 | $17.22 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.81 | $19.62 |
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.