How far is Akron, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Akron, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 227.9 miles (366.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 173.2 miles (278.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 12m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 36m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Harrison County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Akron and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Akron and Des Moines.
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1
Start on North 2nd Street
16 m · 4 sec · North 2nd Street
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2
Turn right onto Reed Street
84 m · 14 sec · Reed Street
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3
Turn left onto State Highway 12
2285 ft · 59 sec · State Highway 12
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4
Continue on State Highway 3
4.7 mi · 7 min · State Highway 3
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5
Continue on State Highway 12
1418 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 12
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6
Continue on Portland Street
933 ft · 18 sec · Portland Street
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7
Continue on State Highway 12
15.5 mi · 21 min · State Highway 12
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8
Continue on Sioux River Road
2.8 mi · 4 min · Sioux River Road
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9
Turn right onto Riverside Boulevard
2.1 mi · 5 min · Riverside Boulevard
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10
Take the ramp left toward I 29 South
1669 ft · 41 sec
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11
Merge slight left
79.4 mi · 1 hr 26 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 880 East: Des Moines
1.2 km · 2 min
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13
Continue straight
16 mi · 17 min
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14
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Des Moines
1.1 km · 44 sec
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15
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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16
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
8.9 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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17
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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18
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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19
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Akron 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 80 East
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 01h 42m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Akron and Sunny near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Akron to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 227.9 miles (366.7 km) and usually takes 03h 36m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Missouri Valley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 113.8 miles from Akron and 114.1 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 173.2 miles (278.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 54.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:48 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $30.32 one way or $60.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 71.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Akron and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Missouri Valley
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Missouri Valley.
Omaha
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Akron and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 173.18 mi (278.71 km).
#1 Akron
City in Plymouth County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,454 |
| Coordinates | 42.8288800, -96.5594800 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| 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: 367 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $30.32 | $60.64 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $34.19 | $68.39 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $37.42 | $74.84 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $42.64 | $85.29 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.