Trip from Wellman, 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 46m

Distance

138.7 mi

223 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min

4 AM

2h 36m ★

6 AM

2h 47m

8 AM

3h 8m

10 AM

2h 54m

12 PM

2h 52m

3 PM

2h 55m

5 PM

3h 7m

8 PM

2h 40m

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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Wellman, IA

Quang Nguyen Vinh

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Ames, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Wellman, IA to Ames, IA is 138.7 miles and takes about 2h 46m via I 80 and I 35, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily travels through the Midwest, staying within Iowa. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on major highways, making it a convenient option if you're looking for efficiency. You'll likely spend most of your time on the interstate, so don't expect many winding country roads. This route is ideal for a single-day journey, allowing you to reach your destination with plenty of time to spare.

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

69.3 miles from Wellman, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 80	77.5 mi	1h 23m
I 35	25.7 mi	28m
State Highway 22	12.8 mi	18m
M Avenue	11.9 mi	16m
State Highway 149	5.2 mi	7m
East 13th Street	2.7 mi	5m
Main Street	0.4 mi	<1m
9th Avenue	0.3 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 80 — 77.5 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on this road

135 ft · 12 sec · this road

Turn right onto 2nd Street

165 ft · 8 sec · 2nd Street

Turn right onto 9th Avenue

0.3 mi · 32 sec · 9th Avenue

Turn left onto IA 22

0.3 mi · 22 sec · 6th Street

Continue on IA 22

13 mi · 18 min · State Highway 22

Continue on IA 22

0.4 mi · 36 sec · Main Street

Turn right onto IA 149

5.2 mi · 7 min · State Highway 149

Continue on IA 149

12 mi · 16 min · M Avenue

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Merge onto I 80

77 mi · 1 hr 23 min · I 80

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 137B Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 42 sec · this road

Exit 137B Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 52 sec · this road

Exit 137B Toward I-35 North: Minneapolis

Merge onto I 35

26 mi · 28 min · I 35

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

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec

Toward USDA Veterinary Labs

Turn left onto East 13th Street

2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street

Arrive at destination

I 35 Business

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short drive of under 3 hours, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will get you to Ames with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop and a manageable fuel cost of $21, you won't need extensive planning. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially as you approach the I 35 and I 80 interchange, as this can be a busy area. The longest continuous stretch on I 80 means you can settle in, but be sure to take advantage of any service areas during that time for fuel or a quick break.

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 69.3 miles from Wellman, IA, or about 1h 27m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.5 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 31 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 69.3 miles or 1h 27m 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 16m

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 Wellman, 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 Wellman, IA

This is one driving day of about 138.7 miles and 2h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Wellman, 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.

The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 77.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and the county seat of Jasper County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Newton, IA

69 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

Belle Plaine, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brooklyn, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 69.3 miles from Wellman, 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 77.5 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

D J's Casual Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Wellman, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+13196469705

Visit website

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.7 mi

The Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

1.6 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 138.7

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

D J's Casual Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Wellman, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+13196469705

Visit website

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 138.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

The Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 138.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15152920100

Visit website

Maverik

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 29.7

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13196681285

Visit website

Cafe Beaudelaire

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 138.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152927429

Visit website

Tosca

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 138.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15152925258

Visit website

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 138.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15154505004

Visit website

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 138.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15152339004

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 138.7

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 138.7

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 138.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 138.7

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 138.7

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 138.7

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 138.7

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 138.7

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 138.7

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 138.7

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 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 110 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | 2nd Street

Turn right onto 2nd Street

Navigation decision point

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | 9th Avenue

Turn right onto 9th Avenue

Navigation decision point

0.3 mi into trip | ~0m in | IA 22 / 6th Street

Turn left onto IA 22 / 6th Street

Navigation decision point

108.6 mi into trip | ~2h 9m 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

110 mi into trip | ~2h 12m 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

$21.68 one way

$43.37 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 49 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$23.81	$47.62
premium	$4.89	$26.69	$53.38
diesel	$5.61	$30.62	$61.25

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 48.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	41.6	$14.56	$6.66
Efficient EV	34.7	$12.14	$5.55
EV Truck/SUV	55.5	$19.42	$8.88

Gas CO2

49 kg

EV CO2

16 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 18, 2026

Origin

Wellman, IA

Night in Wellman on Saturday

Local time

11:34 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Sunny

NW 15 to 20 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:33AM CDT until April 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Omaha/Valley NE

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 17 at 10:38PM CDT until April 24 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Destination

Ames, IA

Night in Ames on Saturday

Local time

11:34 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

72°F

Newton, IA

69 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

18 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 46m 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?

This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 87% of the journey taking place on interstates. You'll experience a significant stretch of 77.5 miles on I 80, which means long, consistent stretches of driving. Expect to be on high-speed roads for the majority of your trip, with State Highway 22 offering a brief change of pace. The character of the drive is largely consistent, characterized by the efficiency of interstate travel rather than scenic detours. It’s designed for covering distance quickly and reliably.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 77.5 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

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 early in the drive near 2nd Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 46m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (2nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (9th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (IA 22 / 6th Street): Navigation decision point.

About the Cities

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 46m. Total distance: 138.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 77.5 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.

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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Return Trip

Ames, IA to Wellman, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

139.2 mi 2h 47m

Explore more options from Wellman, IA or browse trips ending in Ames, IA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.

Trip from Wellman, IA to Ames, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

D J's Casual Café

Cafe Diem

D J's Casual Café

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

The Cafe

Maverik

Cafe Beaudelaire

Tosca

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

Cafe Diem

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Vinyl Cafe

Labyrinth Coffee

Bookends Cafe

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

Cafe Milo

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Discover Ames

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Wellman, IA

Ames, IA

Same local time

18 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 46m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Ames, IA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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