If you are planing on flying to visit HCI you need to fly into the Des Moines International Airport (DSM). Ames is about 40 miles north of the airport. A list of the carriers with service to Des Moines can be found at the Des Moines airport's homepage.

Des Moines to Ames (see map 1).

From the Des Moines Airport, proceed South on Fleur Drive to Army Post Road. Turn right (West). Follow Army Post Road until you reach Interstate 35 North. Turn right (North) onto Interstate 35. Continue on Interstate 35 North for approximately 40 miles.

From I-35 to Iowa State University (see map 2):

From Interstate 35 North, take the Ames / 13th Street exit. Continue on 13th Street until you reach Stange Road. Turn left (South) on Stange. Follow Stange Road south until you reach the Iowa State University Campus.
Alternate route: From Interstate 35 North, take the Ames / Highway 30 West exit. Proceed on Highway 30 West until you reach the ISU / Elwood Drive exit. Exit on Elwood Drive, go right (North) on Elwood. Follow Elwood Drive North until you reach the Iowa State University campus.

Parking

Parking is available at The Memorial Union ramp located in central campus. The link below will give you information on parking fees: http://www.mu.iastate.edu/services.php?page=parkingServices