How far is Buffalo, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Buffalo, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 170.8 miles (274.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 149.6 miles (240.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 22m 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 02h 41m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Buffalo and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buffalo and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on 2nd Street
11 m · 6 sec · 2nd Street
-
2
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
114 m · 16 sec · Jefferson Street
-
3
Turn left onto West Front Street
2.9 mi · 4 min · West Front Street
-
4
Continue on Rockingham Road
2.2 mi · 3 min · Rockingham Road
-
5
Take the ramp slight left
1881 ft · 47 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
71.9 mi · 1 hr 19 min
-
7
Continue straight
87.9 mi · 1 hr 35 min
-
8
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
-
9
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
-
11
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
-
12
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
-
13
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Buffalo 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.
Rockingham Road
Continue straight
87.9 mi · 01h 35m
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.
Sunny leaving Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 170.8 miles (274.9 km) and usually takes 02h 41m 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?
Williamsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 85.3 miles from Buffalo and 85.5 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 149.6 miles (240.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.2 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 1:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.74 one way or $45.48 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Buffalo and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Buffalo and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 149.58 mi (240.73 km).
#1 Buffalo
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,257 |
| Coordinates | 41.4564200, -90.7234700 |
| Altitude | 171 |
| 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: 275 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.74 | $45.48 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.65 | $51.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.06 | $56.13 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.98 | $63.97 |
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.