How far is Buffalo (historical), IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Buffalo (historical), IA to Des Moines, IA is about 39.7 miles (63.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28.6 miles (46 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 27m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 43m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Township in Dallas 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 Buffalo (historical) and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buffalo (historical) and Des Moines.
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1
Start on Maple Lane
59 m · 15 sec · Maple Lane
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2
Turn left onto St Charles Road
105 m · 12 sec · St Charles Road
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3
Turn right onto Clark Tower Road
1.5 mi · 2 min · Clark Tower Road
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4
Continue on South John Wayne Drive
3.5 mi · 7 min · South John Wayne Drive
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5
Continue straight
11.2 mi · 16 min
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6
Take the ramp right
2023 ft · 49 sec
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7
Merge slight left
12.1 mi · 13 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
8.9 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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11
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Buffalo (historical) and Des Moines.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
South John Wayne Drive
Merge slight left
12.1 mi · 00h 13m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Buffalo (historical) 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 (historical) to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 39.7 miles (63.9 km) and usually takes 00h 43m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Van Meter is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.3 miles from Buffalo (historical) and 20.4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28.6 miles (46 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:02 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.39 one way or $10.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Buffalo (historical) and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Van Meter
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 Van Meter.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Buffalo (historical) and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 28.58 mi (46 km).
#1 Buffalo (historical)
Buffalo (historical) is a place in Iowa, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.3111000, -94.0035600 |
| Altitude | 283 |
| 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: 64 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.85 | $5.39 | $10.78 |
| Mid-grade | $4.18 | $5.85 | $11.70 |
| Premium | $4.74 | $6.64 | $13.27 |
| Diesel | $5.90 | $8.26 | $16.52 |
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 · Nov 10, 2026