Road Trip! How Long Does It Take To Drive From Ann Arbor Township, Michigan To Ames, Iowa?

Are you planning a road trip from Ann Arbor Township in Michigan to Ames, Iowa? Before hitting the road, it's vital to know how long the journey will take in order to plan accordingly. In this article, we'll break down the options, distances, and estimated driving times for the fastest and slowest routes from Ann Arbor Township to Ames, Iowa.

Fastest Route

The fastest way to reach Ames from Ann Arbor Township is to head west on I-94 to Chicago and then turn northwest at Chicago. Total distance via I-94 W is approximately 485 miles, and the estimated travel time is about 7 hours and 50 minutes. The fastest route will take you through the cities of Kalamazoo, Benton Harbor, Gary, and Rockford. This route is ideal if you're looking to save time and hit your destination as soon as possible.

Slowest Route

Alternatively, if you're not in a hurry to get to Ames, you can opt for a slower, more scenic route. Going via I-80 W in Iowa, which is a significantly longer route but takes you through the heart of Illinois and Iowa. The whole drive is approximately 650 miles, and the estimated travel time is around 10 hours. Going this route will take you through the cities of Davenport and Des Moines.

Traffic Patterns

When planning a road trip, it's important to remember that traffic conditions can affect your estimated drive time. According to data collected by INRIX, the heaviest traffic will be found during rush hour around Chicago when driving down I-94. Plan accordingly, and expect traffic patterns to add up to an hour to your journey time.

At low traffic times, when taking the fastest route via I-94 W, it will take you about seven hours to drive from Ann Arbor Township to Ames.

At peak traffic times, when taking the same route, it will take you roughly seven hours and 45 minutes, with significant delays around Chicago.

Overall, plan your journey carefully, and take note of the estimated driving time based on your route and traffic conditions. No matter which route you take ultimately, the drive to Ames promises to deliver incredible scenery and a wealth of exciting experiences. Happy travels!