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Trip from Ames, IA to Avoca, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 23m

Distance

127.3 mi

205 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 13m ★
6 AM
2h 23m
8 AM
2h 43m
10 AM
2h 30m
12 PM
2h 28m
3 PM
2h 31m
5 PM
2h 42m
8 PM
2h 17m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Ames, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States of America

Avoca, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 127.3-mile drive from Ames, IA, to Avoca, IA, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 23 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-80 and I-35, with a brief section on 13th Street, this route offers a highway-focused experience. With a projected fuel cost of $19, it's an economical option for a day trip. Given its relatively short distance and direct path through the Midwest, this drive is perfect for a single-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your departure time and the pace of your travel. You’ll remain within Iowa for the entire trip, experiencing the familiar landscape of the region.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

63.7 miles from Ames, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 13m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 82.7 mi 1h 29m
I 35 40 mi 44m
13th Street 2.4 mi 5m
US 59 1.5 mi 3m
North Walnut Street — —

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: I 80 — 82.7 mi, about 1h 29m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ames, IA and Avoca, IA.

1

Start on I 35 Business

2.4 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
2

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
3

Merge onto I 35

26 mi · 28 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

14 mi · 16 min · I 35
Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

83 mi · 1 hr 29 min · I 80
Toward I 80 West: Omaha Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward US 59: Avoca, Harlan
7

Turn straight onto US 59

1.5 mi · 3 min · US 59
8

Arrive at destination

US 59

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour, 23-minute journey, flexibility is key since it’s a perfect day trip. Consider an early morning departure to maximize your time at your destination or an afternoon start to enjoy a relaxed morning before hitting the road. With 127.3 miles and a fuel cost of around $19, you won't need extensive planning for fuel stops. The longest stretch on I-80 is over 80 miles, so be sure to take advantage of any early services if you need a break before that segment. There are no designated stops in the data, so plan any necessary rests or meals around your own schedule.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 63.7 miles from Ames, IA, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.7 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 28 miles or 33m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 63.7 miles or 1h 13m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 56m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Avoca, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Ames, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Ames, IA

This is one driving day of about 127.3 miles and 2h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Ames, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 82.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Adel, IA

64 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Des Moines, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Adel, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.7 miles from Ames, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.7 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stuart, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 72.7

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155238000

Visit website

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Adair, Iowa

1.2 mi

Club Car Restaurant & Lounge- Clive

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clive, Iowa

1.5 mi

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 72.7

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155238000

Visit website

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 90.9

Adair, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+16417423611

Visit website

Club Car Restaurant & Lounge- Clive

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 45.5

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152261729

Visit website

Flame The Taqueria

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 36.4

Johnston, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15157238934

Visit website

The Embers Restaurant and Lounge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 127.3

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+17123432419

Visit website

Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery - Indian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 45.5

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15153481054

Visit website

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 45.5

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15155133330

Visit website

Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $30 to $40 mile 45.5

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152256005

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 127.3

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 54.6

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 5

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.4 and 125.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
2.4 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the ramp toward I 35 South: Des Moines

Navigation decision point

Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
5
2.7 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
28.4 mi into trip | ~34m in | I 35

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35 toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council B...
7
42.7 mi into trip | ~50m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Omaha

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 80 West: Omaha
5
125.4 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in

Take the exit toward US 59: Avoca, Harlan

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 59: Avoca, Harlan

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.90 one way

$39.80 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.85 $43.70
premium $4.89 $24.50 $49.00
diesel $5.61 $28.11 $56.21

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.2 0 $13.37 $6.11
Efficient EV 31.8 0 $11.14 $5.09
EV Truck/SUV 50.9 0 $17.82 $8.15

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Ames, IA

Night in Ames on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Avoca, IA

Night in Avoca on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Adel, IA

64 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

20 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 23m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 98% of the route being on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 82.7 miles on I-80, meaning you can settle in for a solid period of driving without frequent exits. This profile suggests a consistent pace, ideal for covering ground efficiently. While not characterized by winding country roads, the experience is about the directness of interstate travel, allowing you to focus on reaching your destination in a predictable timeframe.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
8 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.7 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 35. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 23m drive. You will face about 5 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.7 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.4 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,382 ft 880 ft

Total Climb

746 ft

Total Descent

499 ft

Highest Point

1,382 ft

~90.9 mi in

Elevation Range

501 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Ames, IA and Avoca, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs and Davenport.

Council Bluffs

28.4 mi in | ~34m | via I 35

Davenport

28.4 mi in | ~34m | via I 35

About the Cities

Starting in Ames, IA

Full guide →

Ames is a pleasant college town in Central Iowa, sitting astride the Skunk River roughly 30 miles north of Des Moines. Life in Ames follows the ebb and flow of the academic year at Iowa State University, which is the city's primary draw.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 23m. Total distance: 127.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 82.7 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.7 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.4 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Avoca, IA before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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