How far is Remsen, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Remsen, IA to Ames, IA is about 172.5 miles (277.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 131.5 miles (211.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 46m 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 53m.
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 Calhoun County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Remsen and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Remsen and Ames.
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1
Start on South Washington Street
2276 ft · 2 min · South Washington Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto State Highway 3
1.3 km · 2 min · State Highway 3
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3
Turn right onto State Highway 140
15.1 mi · 21 min · State Highway 140
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4
Turn left onto 320th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 320th Street
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5
Turn right onto Shamrock Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · Shamrock Avenue
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6
Continue on Lee Avenue
5.4 mi · 8 min · Lee Avenue
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7
Turn left onto Highway 20
19 mi · 23 min · Highway 20
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8
Continue on United States Highway 20
8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
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9
Continue on 220th Street
93.4 mi · 1 hr 48 min · 220th Street
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 30 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
2063 ft · 53 sec
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13
Turn right onto East 13th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Remsen 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
93.4 mi · 01h 48m
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 Remsen and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Remsen to Ames?
The road trip is about 172.5 miles (277.6 km) and usually takes 02h 53m 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?
Jolley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.9 miles from Remsen and 83.6 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 131.5 miles (211.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 41 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 12:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.97 one way or $45.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Remsen and Sunny near Ames.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Remsen and Ames. Straight-line distance: 131.57 mi (211.74 km).
#1 Remsen
City in Plymouth County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,607 |
| Coordinates | 42.8147100, -95.9733500 |
| Altitude | 405 |
| 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: 278 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.97 | $45.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.90 | $51.80 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.34 | $56.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.30 | $64.60 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.