Origin
West Union, IA
Night in West Union on Saturday
Local time
11:16 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from West Union, 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
3h 13m
Distance
155.4 mi
250 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 2m
★
6 AM
3h 14m
8 AM
3h 37m
10 AM
3h 22m
12 PM
3h 20m
3 PM
3h 23m
5 PM
3h 36m
8 PM
3h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
West Union, IA
Matt Fitz Gibaud
Ames, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
West Union to Ames is 155.4 miles and takes about 3h 13m via US 20 and I 35, with a fuel budget near $24 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Iowa, moving you from the Midwest's rolling terrain to a destination in the same general region. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on well-maintained highways, making it a practical option for a single day of travel. You'll find the journey efficient, with a clear path and manageable mileage for getting from point A to point B.
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
77.7 miles from West Union, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 20 | 54.3 mi | 1h 2m |
| I 35 | 28.6 mi | 30m |
| McCloud Avenue | 22.4 mi | 25m |
| 230th Street | 13 mi | 17m |
| 270th Street | 11.1 mi | 15m |
| Logan Avenue | 6.9 mi | 8m |
| University Avenue | 5.4 mi | 7m |
| West Airline Highway | 3 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
US 20
— 54.3 mi, about 1h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Union, IA and Ames, IA.
1
Start on North Vine Street
524 ft
·
28 sec
·
North Vine Street
2
Turn left onto US 18
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Bradford Street
3
Continue on US 18
13 mi
·
17 min
·
230th Street
4
Continue on US 18
5.5 mi
·
7 min
·
270th Street
5
Continue on US 18
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
6
Continue on US 18
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
270th Street
7
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
8
Merge onto US 63
22 mi
·
25 min
·
McCloud Avenue
9
Continue on US 63
6.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Logan Avenue
10
Turn right onto West Airline Highway
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
West Airline Highway
11
Turn left onto Airport Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
12
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 218 north
13
Merge onto US 218
0.6 mi
·
40 sec
·
Leo P Rooff Expressway
14
Take the exit onto US 218
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
US 218
15
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward IA 27 South, IA 58 South: Hudson, UNI
16
Merge onto IA 27; IA 58
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 183
Toward University Avenue
18
Keep slight right at fork
333 ft
·
8 sec
19
Turn straight onto University Avenue
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
University Avenue
20
Enter roundabout onto University Avenue
124 ft
·
2 sec
·
University Avenue
21
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
University Avenue
22
Continue on Grundy Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Grundy Road
23
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Use the right lane.
24
Merge onto US 20
54 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
US 20
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
Use the slight right lane.
26
Merge onto I 35
29 mi
·
30 min
·
I 35
27
Take the exit onto I 35 Business
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
I 35 Business
Toward I 35 Business: USDA Veterinary Labs
28
Turn right onto I 35 Business
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
East 13th Street
29
Arrive at destination
I 35 Business
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of just over 3 hours, this trip is easily completed in a single day. Consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight hours and allow for any unforeseen delays. With only one recommended stop, you can be quite flexible with your timing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 54.3-mile stretch on US 20, as services might be less frequent than on the interstate. This manageable distance means you can afford to take your time and enjoy the drive without feeling rushed.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 77.7 miles from West Union, IA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.3 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 34 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.7 miles or 1h 43m 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 40m
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 West Union, 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 West Union, IA
This is one driving day of about 155.4 miles and 3h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from West Union, 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 US 20 for about 54.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 77.7 miles from West Union, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 58.9 and 123.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
58.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 17m in
Take the ramp toward US 218 north
Navigation decision point
Toward US 218 north
6
60.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IA 27 South, IA 58 South: Hudson, UNI
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward IA 27 South, IA 58 South: Hudson, UNI
5
62.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m in
Take the exit toward University Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 183
Toward University Avenue
5
62.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
123.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m in
Take the exit toward I 35 South: Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.30 one way
$48.59 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.67 | $53.35 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.91 | $59.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.31 | $68.62 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.6 | 0 | $16.32 | $7.46 |
| Efficient EV | 38.9 | 0 | $13.60 | $6.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.2 | 0 | $21.76 | $9.95 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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.
Destination
Ames, IA
Night in Ames on Saturday
Local time
11:16 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
23 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
3h 13m 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?
This drive offers a mixed experience, with 54% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches of faster driving, particularly on I 35, interspersed with other road types. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll navigate is 54.3 miles on US 20, offering a sustained period of travel before potential changes in road conditions or speed limits. The profile is described as a 'mixed drive,' suggesting a transition between different types of roadways as you progress toward Ames.
54% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 54.3 mi on US 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 58.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 155.4 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 58.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 60.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 62.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from West Union, IA to Ames, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Uni along the way.
Uni
60.2 mi in
|
~1h 19m
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 3h 13m. Total distance: 155.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 54.3 miles on US 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Ames, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 58.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 60.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 62.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Ames, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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