How far is Ackley, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Ackley, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 96.6 miles (155.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 71.8 miles (115.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 03m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 31m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Iowa, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ackley and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ackley and Des Moines.
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1
Start on Main Street
1786 ft · 1 min · Main Street
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2
Turn right onto Butler Street
1.2 km · 1 min · Butler Street
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3
Continue on County Highway S56
5.9 mi · 11 min · County Highway S56
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4
Take the ramp left
1561 ft · 38 sec
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5
Merge slight left
28.1 mi · 32 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1612 ft · 55 sec
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7
Merge slight left
54.9 mi · 1 hr
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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9
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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11
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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12
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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13
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ackley and Des Moines.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
54.9 mi · 01h 00m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Ackley and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ackley to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 96.6 miles (155.4 km) and usually takes 01h 31m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Randall is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.2 miles from Ackley and 48.3 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 71.8 miles (115.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.86 one way or $25.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ackley and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ackley and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 71.79 mi (115.53 km).
#1 Ackley
City in Iowa, America
| Population | 1,485 |
| Coordinates | 42.5541500, -93.0532600 |
| Altitude | 333 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
End: East University Avenue (-93.609114, 41.600425)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 155 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.86 | $25.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.50 | $29.01 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.87 | $31.74 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.09 | $36.17 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.