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Trip from Ames, IA to Villisca, 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 57m

Distance

147.4 mi

237 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 46m ★
6 AM
2h 57m
8 AM
3h 20m
10 AM
3h 5m
12 PM
3h 3m
3 PM
3h 6m
5 PM
3h 18m
8 PM
2h 50m

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

Downtown Villisca, IA, IA

Villisca, IA

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

This 147.4-mile drive from Ames, IA to Villisca, IA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking just under 3 hours to complete. With a projected fuel cost of around $22, it's an economical journey through the heart of the Midwest. The route primarily utilizes I-35 South and I-80 West before transitioning to US 6, offering a blend of highway and local road driving. Given its relatively short duration and the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, you'll want to be mindful of navigation. Planning for one stop should be sufficient for this route, making it a straightforward excursion.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

73.7 miles from Ames, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 South — —
I 80 West — —
US 6 — —
650th Street — —
East 7th Street — —
Whitney Street — —
630th Street — —
West High Street — —

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: I 35 South — detailed segment metrics are refreshing.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on 13th Street

2.4 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
2

Take the ramp right toward I 35 South: Des Moines

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

Merge slight left

26 mi · 28 min
4

Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport

14 mi · 16 min · I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
5

Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha

62 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 80 West: Omaha
6

Take the exit slight right toward US 6, US 71: Atlantic, Audubon

0.4 mi · 49 sec · US 6, US 71: Atlantic, Audubon
7

Turn left onto 650th Street

6.5 mi · 9 min · 650th Street
8

Turn right onto East 7th Street

2.0 mi · 2 min · East 7th Street
9

Turn left onto Whitney Street

1.7 mi · 2 min · Whitney Street
10

Continue on 630th Street

31 mi · 42 min · 630th Street
11

Turn left onto West High Street

325 ft · 11 sec · West High Street
12

Turn right onto North U Avenue

0.4 mi · 58 sec · North U Avenue
13

Turn left onto West 3rd Street

0.5 mi · 52 sec · West 3rd Street
14

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 57-minute drive, departing Ames in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. Since the route is a 'turn-heavy local drive,' pay close attention to your GPS or map as you approach the numerous transitions, especially on US 6. With only one stop likely needed, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to take a break. Budget approximately $22 for fuel, and consider topping off your tank before leaving Ames to ensure a smooth journey to Villisca.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 73.7 miles from Ames, IA, or about 1h 28m into the drive.

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 32 miles or 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 73.7 miles or 1h 28m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 25m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Villisca, 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 147.4 miles and 2h 57m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Ames, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

Where to Stop

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

human settlement in Iowa, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Stuart, IA

74 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 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Stuart, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 73.7 miles from Ames, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Mi Mexico Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Clive, Iowa

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.1

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152226933

Visit website

Machine Shed Restaurant Urbandale

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Urbandale, Iowa

0.7 mi

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.8 mi

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.7 mi

Mi Mexico Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.1

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152226933

Visit website

Machine Shed Restaurant Urbandale

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.1

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+15152706818

Visit website

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 42.1

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15155133330

Visit website

The Rialto Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 147.4

Villisca, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17128269342

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73.7

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155238000

Visit website

Midnight Coffee & Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.1

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15152141392

Visit website

Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $30 to $40 mile 42.1

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152256005

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.1

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+15155090915

Visit website

Life Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.1

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 31.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Casey Creamery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 84.2

Casey, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16417462735

Visit website

Vintage Road Coffee Co. - MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 42.1

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13193210534

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

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

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Z'Mariks Noodle Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.1

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152239605

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

Fireside Lounge

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 115.8

Atlantic, Iowa

Hours: 12 pm–2 am

+17122432426

Paris Banh Mi Windsor Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.1

Windsor Heights, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7:30 pm

+15152778888

Visit website

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

Hayloft

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 136.9

Grant, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17127634425

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.04 one way

$46.09 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 52 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $25.30 $50.60
premium $4.89 $28.37 $56.73
diesel $5.61 $32.54 $65.09

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 51.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 44.2 0 $15.48 $7.08
Efficient EV 36.9 0 $12.90 $5.90
EV Truck/SUV 59 0 $20.64 $9.43

Gas CO2

52 kg

EV CO2

17 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

11:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Villisca, IA

Night in Villisca on Saturday

Local time

11:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

73°F

Stuart, IA

74 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

5 degrees warmer at arrival

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

Road read

2h 57m 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 'turn-heavy local drive' on this particular route, with no direct interstate highway miles contributing to the total. The journey is characterized by frequent changes in direction as you navigate through Iowa's local road network. While the longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, the overall profile suggests a drive that requires consistent attention to your navigation. This isn't a monotonous interstate cruise; rather, it's a more engaged experience with the landscape unfolding through smaller highways and county roads.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Main road: I 35 South.

How Hard Is This Drive?

1/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Ames, IA to Villisca, IA is easy. At 2h 57m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Ames, IA to Villisca, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

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 57m. Total distance: 147.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Ames, IA to Villisca, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Villisca, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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