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Trip from Ottumwa, IA to Ames, 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 19m

Distance

117.3 mi

189 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 10m ★
6 AM
2h 19m
8 AM
2h 39m
10 AM
2h 26m
12 PM
2h 24m
3 PM
2h 27m
5 PM
2h 38m
8 PM
2h 14m

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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Downtown Ottumwa, IA, IA

Ottumwa, IA

Quang Nguyen Vinh

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Ames, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 117.3-mile drive from Ottumwa, IA to Ames, IA, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 19 minutes. With 91% of the route on highways, it's an efficient way to travel between these two Midwest locations. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $18, making it an affordable option. Given its relatively short duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination. It’s a practical drive that gets you where you need to go with minimal fuss.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

58.7 miles from Ottumwa, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 8m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 63 75.5 mi 1h 27m
I 35 25.7 mi 28m
Old US Highway 63 4.8 mi 6m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway 3.8 mi 4m
East 13th Street 2.7 mi 5m
I 80 0.9 mi 1m
US 63 Business 0.3 mi <1m
West Fourth Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 63 — 75.5 mi, about 1h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Fourth Street

0.2 mi · 28 sec · West Fourth Street
2

Turn right onto US 63 Business; IA 149

395 ft · 5 sec · North Wapello Street
3

Continue on US 63 Business; IA 149

4.8 mi · 6 min · Old US Highway 63
4

Turn left onto US 63 Business

0.3 mi · 42 sec · US 63 Business
5

Merge onto US 63; IA 163

75 mi · 1 hr 27 min · US 63; IA 163
6

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec
7

Merge onto US 65

3.8 mi · 4 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
8

Take the exit

1.2 mi · 1 min
Exit 84 Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
9

Merge onto I 80

0.9 mi · 1 min · I 80
10

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 137B Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 42 sec · this road
Exit 137B Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
12

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 52 sec · this road
Exit 137B Toward I-35 North: Minneapolis
13

Merge onto I 35

26 mi · 28 min · I 35
Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward USDA Veterinary Labs
15

Turn left onto East 13th Street

2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
16

Arrive at destination

I 35 Business

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 19-minute drive, departing Ottumwa, IA, in the morning allows you to arrive in Ames, IA, with plenty of the day ahead. With a fuel cost of approximately $18, planning your fuel stops is straightforward. Since there are no designated stops in the data, you can be flexible with your breaks, perhaps planning a quick stop around the 75.5-mile mark on US 63 if needed. As this is a relatively short, highway-focused trip, you won't need to split it overnight. Keep an eye out for the transitions between US 63 and I 35 as you approach Ames.

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 58.7 miles from Ottumwa, IA, or about 1h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.5 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 26 miles or 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58.7 miles or 1h 8m 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 53m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, IA

This is one driving day of about 117.3 miles and 2h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Ottumwa, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 63 for about 75.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Monroe, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Monroe, IA

59 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.

Popular next leg

Monroe, IA to Ames, IA

59 mi · 1h 13m

Pacing Suggestions

Oskaloosa, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Monroe, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.7 miles from Ottumwa, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 63 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75.5 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

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117.3

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.2 mi

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

1.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.3

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

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 92.2

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 83.8

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

The Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15152920100

Visit website

Cafe Beaudelaire

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152927429

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 92.2

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Tosca

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15152925258

Visit website

It's My Jam Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 92.2

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15158955526

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

Labyrinth Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Iris Coffee Company

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41.9

Pella, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16413232923

Visit website

The Sanctuary

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41.9

Pella, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+16416284911

Visit website

Brew Coffee House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41.9

Pella, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16416210068

Visit website

Bookends Cafe

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+15152941383

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 117.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 117.3

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 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 88.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 63 Business; IA 149 / North Wapello Street

Turn right onto US 63 Business; IA 149 / North Wapello Street

Navigation decision point

4
80.9 mi into trip | ~1h 34m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

5
85.2 mi into trip | ~1h 39m in

Take the exit toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 84 Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
7
87.2 mi into trip | ~1h 42m in

Take the exit toward I-35 north: Minneapolis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 137B Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
6
88.6 mi into trip | ~1h 44m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35 toward I 35 North: Minneapolis

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.34 one way

$36.68 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.13 $40.27
premium $4.89 $22.57 $45.15
diesel $5.61 $25.90 $51.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 41 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 35.2 0 $12.32 $5.63
Efficient EV 29.3 0 $10.26 $4.69
EV Truck/SUV 46.9 0 $16.42 $7.51

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 kg (66% 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 14, 2026

Origin

Ottumwa, IA

Night in Ottumwa on Saturday

Local time

11:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ames, IA

Night in Ames on Saturday

Local time

11:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

58°F

Mostly Clear

SW 5 to 14 mph 11% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 13 at 11:22PM CDT until April 14 at 12:00AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 13 at 10:43PM CDT until April 14 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

51°F

Monroe, IA

59 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

12 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 19m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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 experience on this 117.3-mile route, as 91% of your travel will be on major roads like US 63 and I 35. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 75.5 miles on US 63, so you can settle in for a good amount of time on this primary artery. While the profile is 'Highway-focused,' there are transitions between roads like US 63, I 35, and Old US Highway 63, offering slight variations in the driving environment. This drive is designed for efficient forward motion rather than winding scenic detours.

91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.5 mi on US 63.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 63 and I 35. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 63 Business; IA 149 / North Wapello Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 117.3 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (US 63 Business; IA 149 / North Wapello Street): Navigation decision point; at 80.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 85.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

About the Cities

Starting in Ottumwa, IA

Full guide →

Ottumwa is a city in South Central Iowa.

Arriving 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 19m. Total distance: 117.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 75.5 miles on US 63. 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 0.2 miles (US 63 Business; IA 149 / North Wapello Street): Navigation decision point; at 80.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 85.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Ames, 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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