Traffic in Ames

In 2024, Ames, IA, sees a significant reliance on cars and motorcycles for commuting, with minimal use of public transport.The city's traffic data reveals insights into average commute times and CO2 emissions, providing a basis for potential improvements.

Average Commute Times

The average commute time in Ames is 13.2 minutes, with most of the time spent driving.

  • Car - Car commuters spend approximately 14.25 minutes driving, covering an average distance of 12.79 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Car
80%
Motorcycle
20%

Traffic Data

The following traffic data has been gathered from 5 user contributions.
Overall average travel
Distance
6.6 miles
Walking
0.4 mins
Driving Car
11.4 mins
Total:
13.2 mins
Average when primarily using Car
Distance
7.9 miles
Walking
0.5 mins
Driving Car
14.3 mins
Total:
14.8 mins

More Information

Seasonal Trends

Traffic tends to increase during the academic year due to the presence of Iowa State University students.

Winter weather can occasionally disrupt traffic flow, leading to longer commute times.

Commuter Pain Points

Limited public transportation options can lead to over-reliance on cars.

Motorcycle commuters may face challenges during adverse weather conditions.

Best Travel Times

Early mornings and late evenings are generally the best times to avoid traffic congestion.

Weekends typically see lighter traffic, providing smoother travel experiences.

Event Impacts

Public events at Iowa State University can significantly impact traffic, especially during major sports events.

Planning travel around these events can help avoid congestion.

Sustainability Efforts

Ames is exploring initiatives to increase bicycle lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Efforts to enhance public transport infrastructure are underway to provide more eco-friendly commuting options.

Ride-Sharing Impact

Ride-sharing services are gaining popularity, offering flexible commuting options and reducing the need for personal vehicles.

These services can help alleviate parking issues and reduce traffic congestion during peak hours.

Worldwide
United States

Traffic Rankings

The Traffic Index for the United States combines user-contributed data on commute times, traffic dissatisfaction, CO2 emissions, and traffic system inefficiencies in United States, to provide insights into overall traffic conditions.
Worst to BestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Full Traffic Rankings