By plane
There is no commercial aviation to Ames; the nearest major airport is located in Des Moines. Shuttle service is available to/from Ames; Executive Express (http://www.executiveexpre...) offers a relatively frequent scheduled service. If flying via charter or general aviation, one can use the Ames Municipal Airport (http://www.cityofames.org...) on the southern edge of town, south of Airport Rd; from there automobile is the best bet into town - a Hertz rental car location is available at the airport.
By car
Traveling from the north e.g., Minneapolis, 2.5-hr drive or from the south Des Moines, 30 minutes, take I-35 to exit 113 and drive west along 13th St to Clark Ave. Head south on Clark to City Hall and the Main St district. Or take US 30 exit 111 west to South Duff and go north through many businesses to Main St. Traveling from the east Chicago, 5.5 hours or from the west Omaha, 2 hours, take I-80 to I-35, and then I-35 north and as above. US 30 also reaches Ames direct from Omaha and Chicago.
By bus
Trailways, +1 800 776-7581, (http://www.trailways.com/), serves a location at 2229 Lincoln Way, on the Iowa State University campus in front of the Memorial Union building.