Ames to Rock Island: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Ames from Rock Island?

The distance from Ames to Rock Island is 160.9 miles (258.9 km) as the crow flies. Rock Island is located ESE of Ames. By car, the driving distance is approximately 201.1 miles, taking about 4h 3min. A direct flight would take roughly 49min. Both are located in United States — Ames in Iowa and Rock Island in Illinois.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Ames and Rock Island. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.