How far is Vinton, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from Vinton, IA to Ames, IA is about 99.2 miles (159.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 82.3 miles (132.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 23m 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 01h 41m.
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 Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Vinton and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Vinton and Ames.
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1
Start on East 3rd Street
1169 ft · 57 sec · East 3rd Street
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2
Turn left onto C Avenue
1 mi · 1 min · C Avenue
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3
Continue on State Highway 150
1576 ft · 27 sec · State Highway 150
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4
Continue straight
9.8 mi · 15 min
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5
Turn right onto 70th Street
2.5 mi · 4 min · 70th Street
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6
Continue on State Highway 199
540 ft · 11 sec · State Highway 199
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7
Continue on 1st Avenue
1468 ft · 35 sec · 1st Avenue
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8
Turn left onto 1st Street
773 ft · 16 sec · 1st Street
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9
Continue on 21st Avenue
2.9 mi · 5 min · 21st Avenue
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10
Turn right onto 73rd Street
11.4 mi · 13 min · 73rd Street
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11
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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15
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Vinton 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.
Lincoln Highway
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 01h 16m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Vinton and Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Vinton to Ames?
The road trip is about 99.2 miles (159.6 km) and usually takes 01h 41m 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?
Montour is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.5 miles from Vinton and 49.6 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 82.3 miles (132.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.9 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 3:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.20 one way or $26.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Vinton and Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Montour
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 Montour.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Vinton and Ames. Straight-line distance: 82.36 mi (132.55 km).
#1 Vinton
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,019 |
| Coordinates | 42.1686100, -92.0235100 |
| Altitude | 240 |
| 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: 160 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.20 | $26.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.89 | $29.77 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.29 | $32.58 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.56 | $37.13 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.