Travel, Accommodation & Parking

Flying

The closest airport to Ames is Des Moines International Airport (DSM). It is about an hour drive from the airport to get to the ISU campus. 

Ground Transport from DSM Airport

Driving To Ames From Interstate 35

• Take Exit 111B to US Highway 30 West.  You will travel a mile or two on this road. 
• Leave Hwy 30 using Exit 146 (Elwood/University Avenue). 
• Travel Elwood to Lincoln Way (4^th stop light), and turn left. 
• Drive approximately half a mile (past 2^nd stop light) and the ISU Memorial Union parking ramp will be on your right.

Hotels

These Ames hotels give ISU discounts on a regular basis. However, be sure to ask if they give a discount for ISU business when making a reservation, as not all hotel employees are familiar with these discounts.

• GrandStay Hotel & Suites
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Holiday Inn Ames Conference Center
• Gateway Hotel & Conference Center

Additional hotel information: Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau

Parking: ISU Memorial Union Ramp

Orientation and Agronomy 594 students are encouraged to use the Memorial Union Parking Ramp. The program will provide validated parking tickets to use the ramp daily free of charge. 

Navigating the ISU Campus

For a preview of campus, use the Campus MapTool. There are filters at the top right corner for buildings and parking.  

• For building: Agronomy Hall
• For parking: Union Ramp