How far is Atlantic, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Atlantic, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 81.6 miles (131.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 73.9 miles (119 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 40m 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 20m.
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.
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Atlantic and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Atlantic and Des Moines.
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1
Start on the route
69 m · 21 sec
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2
Turn left onto Chestnut Street
81 m · 9 sec · Chestnut Street
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3
Turn right onto East 7th Street
3.5 mi · 6 min · East 7th Street
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4
Turn left onto 650th Street
6.4 mi · 9 min · 650th Street
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5
Take the exit right
62 mi · 1 hr 7 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
8.9 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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8
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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9
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Atlantic and Des Moines.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
650th Street
Take the exit right
62 mi · 01h 07m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Atlantic and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Atlantic to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 81.6 miles (131.4 km) and usually takes 01h 20m 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?
Stuart is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.8 miles from Atlantic and 40.9 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 73.9 miles (119 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.86 one way or $21.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Atlantic and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Stuart
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 Stuart.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Atlantic and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 73.96 mi (119.02 km).
#1 Atlantic
City in Iowa
| Population | 6,513 |
| Coordinates | 41.4036000, -95.0138800 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| 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: 131 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.86 | $21.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.25 | $24.50 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.40 | $26.81 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.28 | $30.55 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.