How far is Onawa, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Onawa, IA to Ames, IA is about 136.9 miles (220.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.1 miles (204.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 17m 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 38m.
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 Carroll County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Onawa and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Onawa and Ames.
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1
Start on 10th Street
9 m · 5 sec · 10th Street
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2
Turn right onto Iowa Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · Iowa Avenue
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3
Continue on State Highway 175
6.8 mi · 9 min · State Highway 175
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4
Turn straight onto State Highway 37
10 mi · 14 min · State Highway 37
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5
Turn left
6.5 mi · 10 min
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6
At the end of the road, turn right onto East 1st Street
1466 ft · 36 sec · East 1st Street
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7
Continue on 210th Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
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8
Continue on George P. Soumas Memorial Highway
10.5 mi · 14 min · George P. Soumas Memorial Highway
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9
Continue on M Avenue
4.5 mi · 6 min · M Avenue
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10
Turn right
2.6 mi · 4 min
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11
Turn slight left onto US 30 East: Carroll
158 m · 23 sec
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12
Continue on 4th Avenue South
29.8 mi · 44 min · 4th Avenue South
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13
Continue on County Road N33
10.3 mi · 14 min · County Road N33
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14
Continue on 220th Street
44.4 mi · 59 min · 220th Street
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15
Continue on 230th Street
7.6 mi · 9 min · 230th Street
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16
Take the exit slight right toward Iowa State University
1521 ft · 39 sec
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17
Turn left onto University Boulevard
1.2 mi · 2 min · University Boulevard
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18
Turn right onto South 4th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South 4th Street
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19
Turn left onto South Grand Avenue
1330 ft · 40 sec · South Grand Avenue
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20
Continue on Grand Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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21
Turn right onto 13th Street
36 m · 3 sec · 13th Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Onawa and Ames.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
220th Street
Continue on 220th Street
44.4 mi · 00h 59m
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 Onawa and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Onawa to Ames?
The road trip is about 136.9 miles (220.3 km) and usually takes 02h 38m 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?
Carroll is a useful midpoint, sitting about 69.3 miles from Onawa and 67.5 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.1 miles (204.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.8 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 1:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.21 one way or $36.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Onawa and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Onawa and Ames. Straight-line distance: 127.14 mi (204.61 km).
#1 Onawa
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,766 |
| Coordinates | 42.0266500, -96.0972400 |
| Altitude | 320 |
| 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: 220 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.21 | $36.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.54 | $41.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.48 | $44.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.62 | $51.24 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.