Lincoln, NE → Ames, IA · Regional long-distance move
About 212 road miles heading northeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $2,200–$3,280, delivery in 1–2 days, 160 carriers on the Lincoln side and 55 in Ames.
The route from Lincoln, NE to Ames, IA covers roughly 212 miles by road, a northeast-bound trip that falls into the regional long-distance move category for pricing purposes.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $2,200 to $3,280 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 1 to 2 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 4 h 21 min.
On the Lincoln side there are 160 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (83 of them authorized for interstate work), and 55 around Ames (25 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Ames.
Lincoln has a population of about 301,522 and Ames about 66,000. The two cities have comparable density (2,979 and 2,355 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,160 | $1,410 | $1,720 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,320 | $1,610 | $1,970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $2,200 | $2,690 | $3,280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $3,520 | $4,300 | $5,240 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $4,850 | $5,910 | $7,210 |
$370–$520
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,210–$1,780
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$2,200–$3,280
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Lincoln, NE → Ames, IA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Central Iowa Towing And Recovery INC
Legal name: Myers & Associates LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,160 to $1,720 for a studio, $1,320 to $1,970 for a one-bedroom, $2,200 to $3,280 for a two-bedroom, $3,520 to $5,240 for a three-bedroom and $4,850 to $7,210 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 212 road miles (179 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 4 h 21 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 2 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from Nebraska into Iowa makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $370 to $520 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,210 to $1,780. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Lincoln–Ames corridor.