Ames to Memphis: Road Trip Guide & Distance

513.2 miles 825.9 km · straight line
647.1 miles actual route 1041.4 km · driving distance
12h 16min estimated drive time
$62 - $77 estimated fuel cost
~1h 32min flight time
157° SSE bearing direction

How far is Ames from Memphis?

The distance from Ames to Memphis is 513.2 miles (825.9 km) as the crow flies. Memphis is located SSE of Ames. By car, the driving distance is approximately 647.1 miles, taking about 12h 16min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 32min. Both are located in United States — Ames in Iowa and Memphis in Tennessee.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Ames and Memphis. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Ames to Memphis

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 12h 16min $62 - $77 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 32min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~14h 43min $52–$97* Budget
Train ~15h 57min $78–$226* Comfort

Flying saves significant time. Driving is better if you want flexibility and stops.

* Estimated range. Actual prices vary by date and provider.

Suggested Stops Between Ames & Memphis

Quick Facts

Ames
42.03°N, 93.62°W
America/Chicago
287m elevation
Memphis
35.15°N, 90.05°W
America/Chicago
102m elevation

From Ames

From Memphis

Explore more routes from Memphis

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 171 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 43 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 48.5 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM