How far is Shenandoah, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Shenandoah, IA to Ames, IA is about 173.1 miles (278.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.3 miles (203.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 55m 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 57m.
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 Adair and Guthrie Counties in the US state of Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Shenandoah and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Shenandoah and Ames.
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1
Start on West Clarinda Avenue
33 m · 7 sec · West Clarinda Avenue
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2
Turn right onto South Blossom Street
30 m · 10 sec · South Blossom Street
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3
Turn left onto West Sheridan Avenue
1.1 km · 2 min · West Sheridan Avenue
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4
Turn right onto Fremont Street
38.8 mi · 55 min · Fremont Street
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5
Turn left
6.4 mi · 9 min
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6
Keep slight left
7.5 mi · 11 min
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7
Take the ramp slight right
1377 ft · 34 sec
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8
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
14.4 mi · 17 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
27 mi · 30 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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12
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Shenandoah 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.
Fremont Street
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 01h 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.
Sunny leaving Shenandoah and Chance Rain Showers near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Shenandoah to Ames?
The road trip is about 173.1 miles (278.5 km) and usually takes 02h 57m 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?
Adair is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.9 miles from Shenandoah and 83.1 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.3 miles (203.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 46.8 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 12:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.04 one way or $46.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Shenandoah and Chance Rain Showers near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Adair
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 Adair.
Creston
Osceola
Omaha
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Shenandoah and Ames. Straight-line distance: 126.24 mi (203.16 km).
#1 Shenandoah
Town in Page County, Virginia, United States
| Population | 4,783 |
| Coordinates | 40.7655500, -95.3722100 |
| Altitude | 299 |
| 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 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 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 | $23.04 | $46.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.99 | $51.97 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.44 | $56.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.41 | $64.81 |
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.