Ames to Jacksonville

24h 43m
Drive Time
1360
Miles
$158
Gas Cost
11
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Ames to Jacksonville?

The drive from Ames to Jacksonville takes approximately 24h 43m, covering 1360 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $158 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 34–35+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
21h 1m
🔵 Typical
24h 43m
🔴 Heavy traffic
35h 50m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1360 mi
Drive Time24h 43min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$158
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$173-$208

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 3 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Ames to Jacksonville

For a long drive like Ames to Jacksonville, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
24h 43m
~$158 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 13m
~$204–$476 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 43m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
24h 43m
~$158
🚌 Bus
30h 13m
~$109–$245
🚂 Train
24h 44m
~$163–$408

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Ames to Jacksonville?
The drive takes approximately 24 hours and 43 minutes covering 1360 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 45 gallons of gas, costing approximately $158 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.