Trip from Malvern, IA to Ames, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 30m

Distance

172.7 mi

278 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 18m ★

6 AM

3h 30m

8 AM

3h 55m

10 AM

3h 39m

12 PM

3h 37m

3 PM

3h 40m

5 PM

3h 54m

8 PM

3h 23m

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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Malvern, IA

Yusuf Çelik

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Ames, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Malvern, IA to Ames, IA is 172.7 miles and takes about 3h 30m via I 80, US 59, and I 35, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Iowa, traversing the Midwest's familiar heartland. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey, ideal for a single-day trip without significant detours. Expect a consistent travel experience as you make your way north and east. If you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground between these two points, this route offers a practical solution.

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

86.4 miles from Malvern, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 52m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 80	96.5 mi	1h 44m
US 59	34.3 mi	49m
I 35	27 mi	29m
US 34	9.6 mi	14m
East 13th Street	2.7 mi	5m
County Highway L63	1 mi	1m
Main Street	0.9 mi	2m
13th Street	—	—

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: I 80 — 96.5 mi, about 1h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Main Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · Main Street

Continue on County Highway L63

1.0 mi · 1 min · County Highway L63

Turn right onto US 34

9.6 mi · 14 min · US 34

Turn right

0.2 mi · 42 sec

Turn right onto US 59

20 mi · 29 min · US 59

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto US 59

6.4 mi · 9 min · US 59

Use the left lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 59

7.5 mi · 11 min · US 59

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Merge onto I 80

82 mi · 1 hr 28 min · I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

14 mi · 16 min · I 80

Exit 123B Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

27 mi · 29 min · I 35

Toward I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines 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

Given the relatively short 3h 30m duration, you have considerable flexibility with your departure time from Malvern. Leaving in the morning will allow you to arrive in Ames with plenty of daylight remaining. The route has only one recommended stop, suggesting you can manage fuel and rest breaks efficiently. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 96.5 miles on I 80, as services can sometimes be spread out on interstate highways. Planning your fuel stops proactively will ensure a smooth journey.

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 86.4 miles from Malvern, IA, or about 1h 52m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 96.5 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 38 miles or 56m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 86.4 miles or 1h 52m 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 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 Malvern, 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 Malvern, IA

This is one driving day of about 172.7 miles and 3h 30m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Malvern, 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 96.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Guthrie Center, IA

86 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

Avoca, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Guthrie Center, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.4 miles from Malvern, 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 96.5 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

Classic Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Malvern, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+17126248082

Visit website

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stuart, Iowa

0.7 mi

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Salty Heifer Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Malvern, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+17126248798

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.7 mi

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.8 mi

Classic Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Malvern, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+17126248082

Visit website

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 98.7

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155238000

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 172.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 148

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

The Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15152920100

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 148

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Cafe Beaudelaire

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152927429

Visit website

Flame The Taqueria

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 135.7

Johnston, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15157238934

Visit website

The Salty Heifer Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Malvern, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+17126248798

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 172.7

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 172.7

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 172.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 123.4

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+15156446331

Visit website

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 172.7

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 172.7

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 172.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 98.7

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 172.7

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.4

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152239605

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 1.9 and 142.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

1.9 mi into trip | ~4m in | US 34

Turn right onto US 34

Navigation decision point

11.8 mi into trip | ~19m in | US 59

Turn right onto US 59

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

32.2 mi into trip | ~48m in | US 59

Turn left onto US 59

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

128.4 mi into trip | ~2h 37m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 123B Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, K...

142.8 mi into trip | ~2h 54m in | I 35

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35 toward I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, De...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.00 one way

$54.00 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 60 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$29.64	$59.29
premium	$4.89	$33.23	$66.47
diesel	$5.61	$38.13	$76.26

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 60.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	51.8	$18.13	$8.29
Efficient EV	43.2	$15.11	$6.91
EV Truck/SUV	69.1	$24.18	$11.05

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 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

Malvern, IA

Afternoon in Malvern on Saturday

Local time

2:19 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ames, IA

Afternoon in Ames on Saturday

Local time

2:19 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

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

3h 30m 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 trip is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the journey taking place on major roads like I 80, US 59, and I 35. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one uninterrupted segment of 96.5 miles on I 80. The character of the drive is largely dictated by these interstate highways, offering a predictable and efficient travel experience. While not particularly winding or technical, the route prioritizes getting you to your destination with minimal fuss.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

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

Longest single stretch: 96.5 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and US 59. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in near US 34.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 172.7 miles you will encounter 9 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 1.9 miles (US 34): Navigation decision point; at 11.8 miles (US 59): Lane positioning matters here; at 32.2 miles (US 59): Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Malvern, IA and Ames, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City and Des Moines.

Minneapolis

128.4 mi in | ~2h 37m | via I 80

Kansas City

128.4 mi in | ~2h 37m | via I 80

Des Moines

142.8 mi in | ~2h 54m | via I 35

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 30m. Total distance: 172.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 96.5 miles on I 80. 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 1.9 miles (US 34): Navigation decision point; at 11.8 miles (US 59): Lane positioning matters here; at 32.2 miles (US 59): Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Ames, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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Trip from Malvern, 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

Classic Cafe

The Salty Heifer Cafe

Classic Cafe

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

Cafe Diem

The Cafe

Ankeny Cafe

Cafe Beaudelaire

Flame The Taqueria

The Salty Heifer Cafe

Cafe Diem

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Vinyl Cafe

Playgrounds Cafe

Labyrinth Coffee

Casey Creamery

Bookends Cafe

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

Discover Ames

Paris Banh Mi Windsor Heights

University Library Cafe

Z'Mariks Noodle Cafe

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Malvern, IA

Ames, IA

Same local time

18 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 30m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Arriving in Ames, IA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

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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