Is I-80 safe in winter?

I-80 is prone to severe closures due to blowing snow and high winds in Wyoming.

What is the best airport near Ames?

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the closest major airport.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 22 hours of pure driving time.

Are there trains to Reno?

Amtrak's California Zephyr stops in Reno, but there is no direct rail from Ames.

What is the elevation of Reno?

Reno sits at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet above sea level.

Ames

Reno

Flight Driving

Ames to Reno

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Ames to Reno spans approximately 1,500 miles across the heart of the American West. Most travelers drive via Interstate 80, which offers a direct path through Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah. Alternatively, flying from Des Moines International Airport to Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the most efficient method. You will cross the Continental Divide and experience the transition from cornfields to high desert landscapes. This route is a classic American road trip requiring careful planning for mountain passes.

Total Distance: 2,400 km driving distance; 2,000 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Des Moines (DSM) to Reno (RNO) takes approximately 6 hours including layovers.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest for groups of three or more people sharing fuel costs.

Compare Ames to Reno Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours	22 hours
Avg Price	$400-$700	$300-$500 in fuel
Operator	United Airlines	Personal Vehicle
Route	DSM to RNO via Denver or San Francisco.	I-80 West through Omaha, Cheyenne, and Salt Lake City.
Tip	Book flights with a layover in Denver to minimize total travel time.	Check the Wyoming Department of Transportation website for wind and snow closures before departing.

Travel Tips

Fuel Stops
Fill up in larger cities like Cheyenne to avoid higher prices in remote Wyoming stretches.
Hydration
The air in Nevada is extremely dry; carry extra water during your drive.
Time Zones
You will cross from Central Time to Mountain Time and finally Pacific Time.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your tires and cooling system are in top condition for high-altitude driving.
Offline Maps
Download offline maps as cellular service is spotty in rural Wyoming and Nevada.

Safety Tips

Mountain Driving
Use lower gears when descending steep mountain grades to prevent brake overheating.
Wildlife
Be alert for deer and elk crossing the highway, especially during dawn and dusk.
Emergency Kit
Carry blankets, non-perishable food, and a flashlight in your trunk.
Fatigue
Stop every three hours to stretch and maintain alertness on long, monotonous stretches.