Origin
Washington, IA
Morning in Washington on Friday
Local time
11:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Washington, IA to Ames, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 6m
Distance
142.6 mi
230 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 55m
★
6 AM
3h 6m
8 AM
3h 30m
10 AM
3h 15m
12 PM
3h 12m
3 PM
3h 16m
5 PM
3h 28m
8 PM
3h 0m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Washington, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Ames, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 142.6-mile drive from Washington, IA to Ames, IA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes. You'll primarily travel on IA 163 and I-35, with a portion on State Highway 92, offering a straightforward journey through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $22, this route is an economical option for a quick excursion. The highway-focused profile suggests a direct and efficient travel experience, making it ideal for those looking to reach their destination without extensive detours. Given its manageable length and clear route, it’s a perfect candidate for a spontaneous road trip.
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
71.3 miles from Washington, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 6m. Total distance: 142.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 142.6-mile route, with 83% of the drive utilizing major roadways like IA 163 and I-35. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 51.9 miles on IA 163, allowing for steady progress. While largely consisting of efficient highway driving, the inclusion of State Highway 92 may offer a slight shift in scenery and pace as you transition between the main arteries. This blend ensures a consistent travel speed for most of the journey, minimizing delays.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
IA 163 is the longest continuous segment at about 51.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on IA 163 and I 35. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near West 5th Street.
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 142.6 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.3 miles (West 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.6 miles (IA 92 / State Highway 92): Navigation decision point; at 110.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
West 5th Street
Turn left onto West 5th Street
Navigation decision point
4
3.6 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
IA 92 / State Highway 92
Turn left onto IA 92 / State Highway 92
Navigation decision point
5
110.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 84
Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
7
112.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 29m 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
6
113.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m 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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| IA 163 | 51.9 mi | 1h |
| I 35 | 25.7 mi | 28m |
| State Highway 92 | 24.7 mi | 36m |
| IA-92 | 13.8 mi | 20m |
| East Jackson Street | 8.4 mi | 11m |
| Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| A Avenue East | 3 mi | 5m |
| East 13th Street | 2.7 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
IA 163
— 51.9 mi, about 1h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Washington, IA and Ames, IA.
1
Start on South Marion Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South Marion Avenue
2
Turn left onto West 5th Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
West 5th Street
3
Turn right onto IA 1; IA 92
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
IA 1; IA 92
4
Turn left onto IA 92
25 mi
·
36 min
·
State Highway 92
5
Continue on IA 92; IA 149
8.4 mi
·
11 min
·
East Jackson Street
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
7
Continue on IA 92
14 mi
·
20 min
·
IA-92
8
Continue on IA 92
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
A Avenue East
9
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
10
Merge onto IA 163
52 mi
·
1 hr
·
IA 163
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
12
Merge onto US 65
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
13
Take the exit
1.2 mi
·
1 min
Exit 84
Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
14
Merge onto I 80
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
I 80
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 137B
Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
this road
Exit 137B
Toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
17
Continue on this road
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
·
this road
Exit 137B
Toward I-35 North: Minneapolis
18
Merge onto I 35
26 mi
·
28 min
·
I 35
Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward USDA Veterinary Labs
20
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi
·
5 min
·
East 13th Street
21
Arrive at destination
I 35 Business
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 6-minute drive, consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight and take advantage of the single stop indicated for a break. The estimated fuel cost of $22 makes it an affordable trip, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Washington, IA, as the longest stretch without a major turn is 51.9 miles on IA 163. Since this is a relatively short, one-day drive, you have the flexibility to leave when it's most convenient, but planning around Iowa's typical weather patterns is always a good idea. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments on IA 163 and I-35.
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 71.3 miles from Washington, IA, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.9 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 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.3 miles or 1h 41m 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 35m
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 Washington, 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 Washington, IA
This is one driving day of about 142.6 miles and 3h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Washington, 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 IA 163 for about 51.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 71.3 mi from Washington, IA · 1h 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 71.3 miles from Washington, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.29 one way
$44.59 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $24.48 | $48.96 |
| premium | $4.89 | $27.44 | $54.88 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.48 | $62.97 |
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: 49.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.8 | 0 | $14.97 | $6.84 |
| Efficient EV | 35.7 | 0 | $12.48 | $5.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57 | 0 | $19.96 | $9.13 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (66% 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
Morning in Ames on Friday
Local time
11:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
51°F
Monroe, IA
71 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
1 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 6m 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 Washington, IA to Ames, IA covers 142.6 miles and takes about 3h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are IA 163, I 35, State Highway 92. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 71.3 miles from Washington, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.29 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 142.6 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (West 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.6 miles (IA 92 / State Highway 92): Navigation decision point; at 110.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
The route from Washington, IA to Ames, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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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