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Trip from Riverside, IA to Ames, IA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

2h 44m

Distance

138.5 mi

223 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

32 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 33m ★
6 AM
2h 44m
8 AM
3h 6m
10 AM
2h 52m
12 PM
2h 49m
3 PM
2h 53m
5 PM
3h 4m
8 PM
2h 38m

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 Riverside, IA, IA

Riverside, IA

Lorenza Magnaghi

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Ames, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Riverside, IA to Ames, IA covers 138.5 miles and takes about 2h 44m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Lincoln Highway, US 218, Avenue of the Saints for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 65.7 miles on Lincoln Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $21.65 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

69.2 miles from Riverside, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 44m. Total distance: 138.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (26%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a 2h 44m drive with frequent turns across 138.5 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Lincoln Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 65.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near IA 22 / West 1st 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 44m drive. You will face about 7 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 (IA 22 / West 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 34.3 miles (US 218): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 7 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | IA 22 / West 1st Street

Turn left onto IA 22 / West 1st Street

Navigation decision point

4
1.8 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp

Navigation decision point

5
34.3 mi into trip | ~39m in | US 218

Take the exit onto US 218 toward US 30 West, US 151 South, US 218 North: Tama

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 30 West, US 151 South, US 218 North:...
4
133.7 mi into trip | ~2h 35m in

Take the exit toward I 35 North: Minneapolis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
4
135.5 mi into trip | ~2h 37m in

Take the exit toward USDA Veterinary Labs

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward USDA Veterinary Labs

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Lincoln Highway 65.7 mi 1h 16m
US 218 33.7 mi 39m
Avenue of the Saints 32.1 mi 35m
East 13th Street 2.7 mi 5m
I 35 1.2 mi 1m
State Highway 22 1 mi 1m
East Hickory Street 0.5 mi <1m
West 1st Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Lincoln Highway — 65.7 mi, about 1h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on North Washburn Street

107 ft · 9 sec · North Washburn Street
2

Turn left onto IA 22

0.3 mi · 26 sec · West 1st Street
3

Continue on IA 22

0.5 mi · 43 sec · East Hickory Street
4

Continue on IA 22

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Highway 22
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 39 sec
6

Merge onto US 218; IA 27

32 mi · 35 min · Avenue of the Saints
7

Take the exit onto US 218

34 mi · 39 min · US 218
Toward US 30 West, US 151 South, US 218 North: Tama
8

Continue on US 30

66 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
9

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
10

Merge onto I 35

1.2 mi · 1 min · I 35
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward USDA Veterinary Labs
12

Turn left onto East 13th Street

2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
13

Arrive at destination

I 35 Business

Trip Plan

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 69.2 miles from Riverside, IA, or about 1h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.7 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 30 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 69.2 miles or 1h 20m 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 11m

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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, IA

This is one driving day of about 138.5 miles and 2h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Riverside, 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 Lincoln Highway for about 65.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 69.2 mi from Riverside, IA · 1h 20m into the drive

city in Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Belle Plaine, 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.

Popular next leg

Belle Plaine, IA to Ames, IA

76.3 mi · 1h 34m

Pacing Suggestions

North Liberty, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Belle Plaine, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 69.2 miles from Riverside, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Lincoln Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65.7 miles.

Arriving in Ames, IA

The final approach into Ames, 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 Ames, IA.

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

The Inn Restaurant and Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 39.6

Hours: 3–9 pm

+13193963434

Visit website

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Ames, Iowa

1.8 mi

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Coralville, Iowa

2.2 mi

The Inn Restaurant and Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 39.6

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 3–9 pm

+13193963434

Visit website

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 138.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15154505004

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.8

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13195453131

Visit website

Mirabito's Italian

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 19.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13194591342

Visit website

Copper Boar American Pub

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 19.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13196650008

Visit website

Culver’s

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.8

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+13195458255

Visit website

Steak 'n Shake

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.8

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+13198006117

Visit website

Sushiya

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 19.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+13196266666

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 138.5

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 138.5

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 138.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 49.5

Newhall, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 138.5

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 138.5

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 138.5

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 138.5

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 138.5

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.65 one way

$43.31 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 49 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $23.77 $47.55
premium $4.89 $26.65 $53.31
diesel $5.61 $30.58 $61.16

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.

EV Charging Along Route

32 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Red E Charging Station

Marshalltown, Iowa

Other

1 DCFC

EV Connect Charging Station

Ames, Iowa

EV Connect

1 DCFC

ChargePoint: 15 Other: 8 Blink: 3 EV Connect: 2 Tesla: 2 Shell Recharge: 1 InCharge: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 41.6 0 $14.54 $6.65
Efficient EV 34.6 0 $12.12 $5.54
EV Truck/SUV 55.4 0 $19.39 $8.86

Gas CO2

48 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 15, 2026

Origin

Riverside, IA

Night in Riverside on Thursday

Local time

11:48 PM

CDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ames, IA

Night in Ames on Thursday

Local time

11:48 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

48°F

Belle Plaine, 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

2 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 44m 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 Riverside, IA to Ames, IA covers 138.5 miles and takes about 2h 44m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Lincoln Highway, US 218, Avenue of the Saints. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 69.2 miles from Riverside, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.65 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a straightforward 2h 44m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (IA 22 / West 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 34.3 miles (US 218): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Riverside, IA to Ames, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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