Road Trip from Ames, Iowa to Grinnell, Iowa: What You Need To Know
Are you planning a road trip from Ames to Grinnell but unsure of the best route to take? Worry no more, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll break down the fastest and slowest routes, the distance, and the time it takes to reach your destination under normal traffic conditions.
Route Options
When driving from Ames, Iowa to Grinnell, Iowa, you have two primary routes to choose from: the US-30 E and I-80 E. The US-30 E is a shorter route that passes through small towns and countryside, while I-80 E is a longer route that goes through bigger cities. Let's explore both options.
US-30 E
The US-30 E cuts through small towns like Nevada and State Center, providing a more scenic route. It’s approximately 47.1 miles, and driving at a steady speed of 60mph, you can reach Grinnell in approximately 47 minutes. However, traffic patterns may add up some time, especially during rush hour, and this route normally takes an hour.
I-80 E
I-80 E follows a more extended path of approximately 64.7 miles. It passes through Des Moines and Newton, where you can stop at attractions like the Adventureland Park and the Iowa Speedway. Driving at a steady speed of 60mph, you can reach Grinnell in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. During rush hour, this route can take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes due to heavy traffic.
Selecting Your Optimal Route
So which route should you take? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you're looking for a more relaxing drive along the countryside without much traffic or stops, the US-30 E is your go-to route. However, if you're looking for a more comprehensive experience that includes bigger cities like Des Moines, with better tourist stops, I-80 E is definitely better.
A crucial thing to do is to check for real-time traffic updates before hitting the road, especially during rush hour. Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps are excellent tools that can help you with that.
In conclusion, the distance from Ames, Iowa to Grinnell, Iowa, is approximately 47.1 miles when taking the US-30 E route and 64.7 miles when taking I-80 E. While US-30 E is shorter, I-80 E provides better stops and attractions along the way. It’s advisable to check for updates on traffic patterns before embarking on your journey to arrive at your destination safely and timely.