How far is Villisca, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Villisca, IA to Ames, IA is about 148.4 miles (238.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 103.7 miles (166.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 50m 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 25m.
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 Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Villisca and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Villisca and Ames.
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1
Start on East 3rd Street
2595 ft · 54 sec · East 3rd Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto South U Avenue
1924 ft · 58 sec · South U Avenue
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3
Turn left onto West High Street
99 m · 10 sec · West High Street
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4
Turn right
32.6 mi · 44 min
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5
Turn right onto East 7th Street
2 mi · 3 min · East 7th Street
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6
Turn left onto 650th Street
6.4 mi · 9 min · 650th Street
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7
Take the exit right
62 mi · 1 hr 7 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
14.4 mi · 17 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
27 mi · 30 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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11
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Villisca 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.
650th Street
Take the exit right
62 mi · 01h 07m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Villisca and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Villisca to Ames?
The road trip is about 148.4 miles (238.8 km) and usually takes 02h 25m 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?
Stuart is a useful midpoint, sitting about 74.1 miles from Villisca and 74.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 103.7 miles (166.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.7 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 1:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.76 one way or $39.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Villisca and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Stuart
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 Stuart.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Villisca and Ames. Straight-line distance: 103.71 mi (166.91 km).
#1 Villisca
City in Montgomery County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,143 |
| Coordinates | 40.9297100, -94.9760900 |
| Altitude | 328 |
| 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: 239 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.76 | $39.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.29 | $44.57 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.39 | $48.77 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.79 | $55.59 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.