Driving From Ames to Earlville: The Ultimate Guide

Before you hit the road from Ames, Iowa to Earlville, Iowa, you should know there are different routes to take and traffic patterns to consider. If you want to avoid the slowest routes and drive in the quickest way possible, we got your back!

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are three main routes that you can take to get from Ames to Earlville. The fastest route is via US-20 E. This route covers a total distance of approximately 125 miles and takes around 2 hours to drive. The slowest route is via IA-13 N and takes around 3 hours to drive, covering a total distance of around 150 miles.

The third route that you can take is via US-30 E and IA-38 N. This route is slightly shorter than the route via IA-13 N, covering a distance of approximately 140 miles, but it takes around 2.5 hours to drive.

Distance and Time Taken Based on Traffic Patterns

No matter which route you take, traffic patterns can still play a significant role in the amount of time it takes to drive from Ames to Earlville. Generally, if you are driving during peak traffic hours, you should factor in extra time.

At peak traffic times, such as during rush hour, it takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to drive from Ames to Earlville on the fastest route. However, if you are driving at a time when traffic is moving more freely, such as in the early morning or late at night, it should take around 2 hours to drive.

On the slowest route, during peak traffic times, it can take up to 4 hours to drive from Ames to Earlville. However, if you're lucky and hit the road during a time of low traffic, you can shave off up to an hour of driving time.

Catching Highlights

While on the road, there are some interesting places you can visit to break the monotony of driving. For example, you can stop at the Hitching Post, an iconic steakhouse in the small town of Wheatland, Iowa. This restaurant is quite famous for serving delicious mid-western staples.

Additionally, if you are traveling with your family, you could visit Cedar Rapids, which is only a short 30-minute drive from Earlville. Cedar Rapids has many kid-friendly attractions, including the Iowa Children's Museum and the Grant Wood Studio.

Conclusion

In summary, driving from Ames to Earlville can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the route and traffic patterns. To get to Earlville as quickly as possible, we recommend taking the fastest route via US-20 E during off-peak hours. However, if you have some extra time and want to avoid the rush, you can take a detour and visit some interesting places along the way. Happy travels!