There are 4 ways to get from Rochester Airport (RST) to Ames by plane, shuttle, bus, rideshare, or car
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Fly, shuttle
best- Fly from Rochester (RST) to Des Moines (DSM)plane RST - DSM
- Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State University
4h 17m$129–507Drive 171.6 mi
cheapest- Drive from Rochester Airport (RST) to Amescar 171.6 mi
2h 50m$32–46Bus
- Take the bus from Rochester to St. Paulbus Jefferson Lines 966
- Take the bus from St. Paul to Amesbus Jefferson Lines 805
7h 55m$84–162Airport Transfer
- Take the rideshare from Rochester (RST) to Ames171.6 mi
2h 50m
Rochester Airport (RST) to Ames by bus
Comparing Your Travel Options
The cheapest way to get from Rochester Airport (RST) to Ames is to drive which costs $30 - $45 and takes 2h 50m.
The fastest way to get from Rochester Airport (RST) to Ames is to drive which takes 2h 50m and costs $30 - $45.
No, there is no direct bus from Rochester Airport (RST) to Ames. However, there are services departing from Rochester and arriving at Ames via Rochester and St. Paul. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 7h 55m.
The distance between Rochester Airport (RST) and Ames is 217 miles. The road distance is 172.6 miles.
The best way to get from Rochester Airport (RST) to Ames without a car is to bus which takes 7h 55m and costs $80 - $170.
It takes approximately 4h 17m to get from Rochester Airport (RST) to Ames, including transfers.
Rochester Airport (RST) to Ames bus services, operated by Jefferson Lines, depart from Rochester station.
Rochester Airport (RST) to Ames bus services, operated by Jefferson Lines, arrive at St. Paul station.
Yes, the driving distance between Rochester Airport (RST) to Ames is 173 miles. It takes approximately 2h 50m to drive from Rochester Airport (RST) to Ames.
There are 56+ hotels available in Ames.
What companies run services between Rochester Airport (RST), USA and Ames, IA, USA?
You can take a bus from Rochester to Ames via Rochester and St. Paul in around 7h 55m.
- Phone
- +1 320.253.2226
- Website
- Executive Express
Shuttle from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State University
- Ave. Duration
- 45 min
- Frequency
- On demand
- Estimated price
- $80–190
- Website
- Executive Express
- Schedules at
- Executive Express Coverage Areas for Minnesota and Iowa
- Phone
- +1-858-800-8898
- Website
- jeffersonlines.com
Bus from Rochester to St. Paul
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 30m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $28–40
- Book at
- Jefferson Lines
- Adult
- $28–40
Bus from St. Paul to Ames
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 10m
- Frequency
- 4 times a week
- Estimated price
- $55–85
- Book at
- Jefferson Lines
- Adult
- $55–85
- Website
- https://www.mozio.com
Rideshare from Rochester (RST) to Ames
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 50m
- Frequency
- On demand
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Booking & Getting There
Check out Blablacar's carpooling service for rideshare options between Rochester Airport (RST) and Ames. A great option if you don't have a driver's licence or want to avoid public transport.