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City guide

Ames, Iowa

Ames is a city in Story County, Iowa, United States, located approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Des Moines in central Iowa. It is the home of Iowa State University (ISU).

Type CityPopulation 66,427

Why go

  • City in Iowa, US.
  • Served by Marshalltown Municipal Airport (MIW).

History

Ames is a city in Story County, Iowa, United States, located approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Des Moines in central Iowa. It is the home of Iowa State University (ISU). According to the 2020 census, Ames had a population of 66,427, making it the state's ninth-most populous city. Iowa State University was home to 30,177 students as of fall 2023, which make up approximately one half of the city's population.

Airports

Ames Municipal Airport (AMW) 2.7 mi to the centre
Ames, IA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Boone Municipal Airport (BNW) 11 mi to the centre
Boone, IA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Iowa Falls Municipal Airport (IFA) 36 mi to the centre
Iowa Falls, IA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Marshalltown Municipal Airport (MIW) 37 mi to the centre
Marshalltown, IA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Drake Airport 23 mi to the centre
Radcliffe, IA, US
Outdoor
Eldora Airport 34 mi to the centre
Eldora, IA, US
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

Ames, Iowa
Ames, Iowa
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Marshalltown Municipal Airport (MIW); 4 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Ames, Iowa. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Local transit

CyRide
Public transit · Schedules & GTFS data

Trains & rail

Amtrak
National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Greyhound
Intercity coach
Jefferson Lines
Intercity coach
MegaBus
Intercity coach
Trailways
Intercity coach