Ames to Wausau: Road Trip Guide & Distance

284.2 miles 457.4 km · straight line
355.3 miles estimated 571.8 km · driving distance
7h 9min estimated drive time
$34 - $42 estimated fuel cost
~1h 4min flight time
43° NE bearing direction

How far is Ames from Wausau?

The distance from Ames to Wausau is 284.2 miles (457.4 km) as the crow flies. Wausau is located NE of Ames. By car, the driving distance is approximately 355.3 miles, taking about 7h 9min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 4min. Both are located in United States — Ames in Iowa and Wausau in Wisconsin.

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.

Coordinates come from public place data for Ames and Wausau. 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.

How to Get from Ames to Wausau

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 7h 9min $34 - $42 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 4min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~8h 35min $28–$53* Budget
Train ~6h 48min $43–$124* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Ames & Wausau

Quick Facts

Ames
42.03°N, 93.62°W
America/Chicago
287m elevation
Wausau
44.96°N, 89.63°W
America/Chicago
367m elevation
Explore more routes from Wausau

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 95 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 24 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 87.6 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients