How Long Does It Take To Drive From Ames, Iowa to Windsor Heights, Iowa?

Are you planning a road trip from Ames, Iowa to Windsor Heights, Iowa? This is an exciting journey with many route options depending on what you're looking for! In this blog, we will explore the time it takes to drive from Ames to Windsor Heights, through different routes with different distance and traffic patterns.

Fastest & Slowest Routes

If you're looking for the quickest route between the two cities, then take Interstate 35 South. This is a straight drive lasting 38.4 miles, which should take approximately 40 minutes without traffic.

Another option is to take Interstate 35 South and transition to Interstate 80 West. This route is slightly longer, but it can be faster if traffics are light.

However, if you want to take the scenic route with some slow, winding roads, then take Highway 69 South. This route is a bit longer, covering 47.5 miles, and travel time can take about 1 hour.

Traffic Patterns

The time it takes to drive from Ames to Windsor Heights significantly depends on the traffic pattern. Expect delays if you travel during peak hours, especially during the morning and the evening rush hours. If there's a special event in Des Moines, such as the Iowa State Fair, the Iowa Caucuses, or a political convention, it could lead to heavy traffic on the roads.

If you want to drive during off-peak hours to avoid slowing down during rush hour traffic, leave early in the morning or make your trip during the late afternoon or evening hours. Though doing so can add travel time, the experience is worth the drive: fewer cars on the road, stunning sunsets, and relaxing breezes.

Travel Time Based on Traffic Patterns

Here is a breakdown of the estimated driving time with and without traffic during peak and low-traffic times:

Fastest Route: Approximately 40 minutes without traffic, but can take up to 1.5 hours during rush hours.
Interstate 35 & 80 Route: Between 45 minutes to 1 hour without traffic, but can take up to 1.5 hours during rush hours.
Scenic Route: Around 1 hour or more without traffic and up to 2 hours during rush hours.

In conclusion, if you're planning to drive from Ames to Windsor Heights, consider the route options, distance, traffic patterns, and weather conditions before hitting the road. Safe travels!