Origin
Ames, IA
Afternoon in Ames on Sunday
Local time
2:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ames, IA to Springville, IA
Drive Time
2h 26m
Distance
121.3 mi
195 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
Ames, IA
Anton Belitskiy
Springville, IA
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Traveling from Ames to Springville is a straightforward 121.3-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 26 minutes to complete. Because this trip is easily manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you have extra time to explore. Budgeting approximately $18 for fuel covers the primary costs for this Midwest transit. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating via US 30, IA 100, and Collins Road Northeast. It is a practical, efficient route that serves as a reliable connection between these two Iowa locations, perfect for those who prioritize a direct path over a scenic detour.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
60.6 miles from Ames, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 13m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 86% of your drive consists of major thoroughfares. You will settle into a steady rhythm on US 30, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 92.6 miles. While the route begins with open highway travel, the character shifts slightly as you transition onto IA 100 and Collins Road Northeast toward your destination. This is not a technical road trip, but rather a consistent, high-speed drive that keeps you moving toward Springville without unnecessary complexity. The overall feel is one of efficiency, allowing you to cover the distance with minimal stress.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 30 is the longest continuous segment at about 92.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 30 and IA 100. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 2h 26m drive. You will face about 12 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 4.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 97.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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
4
4.4 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the exit toward US 30 East: Nevada
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward US 30 East: Nevada
5
97.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 55m in
Take the exit toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
4
107.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m in
|
IA 100 / Collins Road Northeast
Keep slight right at fork onto IA 100 / Collins Road Northeast
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
120.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 25m in
|
CR X20 / 1st Avenue
Turn right onto CR X20 / 1st Avenue
Navigation decision point
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Ames, IA to Springville, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Marion along the way.
Marion
97.2 mi in
|
~1h 55m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 30 | 92.6 mi | 1h 47m |
| IA 100 | 9.4 mi | 11m |
| Collins Road Northeast | 5.9 mi | 7m |
| Marion Airport Road | 5.7 mi | 6m |
| 13th Street | 2.4 mi | 5m |
| I 35 | 1.6 mi | 1m |
| US 151 | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Broadway Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 30
— 92.6 mi, about 1h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames, IA and Springville, 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
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 35
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
Toward US 30 East: Nevada
5
Merge onto US 30
93 mi
·
1 hr 47 min
·
US 30
6
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
7
Continue on IA 100
9.4 mi
·
11 min
·
IA 100
8
Keep slight right at fork onto IA 100
5.9 mi
·
7 min
·
Collins Road Northeast
9
Turn left onto US 151; IA 13
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 151; IA 13
10
Turn right onto US 151
5.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Marion Airport Road
11
Turn left onto CR X20
509 ft
·
10 sec
·
Springville Road
12
Continue on CR X20
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
6th Street
13
Turn right onto CR X20
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
1st Avenue
14
Turn left onto CR X20
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
·
Broadway Street
15
Turn right onto John Street
202 ft
·
10 sec
·
John Street
16
Turn right onto Water Street
56 ft
·
2 sec
·
Water Street
17
Arrive at destination
Water Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best without needing a complex itinerary. Given that there are no mandatory stops scheduled for the 121.3-mile path, plan to fuel up before you leave Ames to ensure you have enough to cover the $18 estimated cost. Keep an eye on your speed as you transition off the long US 30 stretch and into the more localized road segments of IA 100. Because the longest stretch is nearly 93 miles, consider a quick break once you hit the 90-mile mark to stretch your legs before navigating the final approach into Springville. Staying mindful of these road transitions will help you maintain a smooth pace throughout the entire journey.
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 60.6 miles from Ames, IA, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.6 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 80 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.6 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Springville, 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 121.3 miles and 2h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ames, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on US 30 for about 92.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 60.6 mi from Ames, IA · 1h 13m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
61 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 60.6 miles from Ames, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 30 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 92.6 miles.
Arriving in Springville, IA
The final approach into Springville, IA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Springville, IA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.42 one way
$36.85 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $20.31 | $40.62 |
| premium | $4.80 | $22.90 | $45.80 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $26.95 | $53.90 |
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: 42.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.4 | 0 | $12.74 | $5.82 |
| Efficient EV | 30.3 | 0 | $10.61 | $4.85 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48.5 | 0 | $16.98 | $7.76 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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
Springville, IA
Afternoon in Springville on Sunday
Local time
2:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
42°F
Waterloo, IA
61 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
7 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 26m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Ames, IA to Springville, IA covers 121.3 miles and takes about 2h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 30, IA 100, Collins Road Northeast. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 60.6 miles from Ames, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.42 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 2h 26m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 4.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 97.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Ames, IA to Springville, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Marion along the way.
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