How far is Centerville, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Centerville, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 88.9 miles (143.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 71 miles (114.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 31m 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 45m.
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.
A city located in the state of Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Centerville and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Centerville and Des Moines.
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1
Start on North 13th Street
50 m · 8 sec · North 13th Street
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2
Continue on North 13th Street
88 m · 22 sec · North 13th Street
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3
Turn right onto East State Street
1513 ft · 1 min · East State Street
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4
Turn left onto North 18th Street
20.7 mi · 31 min · North 18th Street
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5
Continue on South Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · South Main Street
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6
Keep slight left
25 mi · 37 min
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7
Take the ramp left
10.9 mi · 12 min
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8
Turn right
575 ft · 7 sec
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9
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 23 min · State Highway 5
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10
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
1.5 mi · 2 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 69 North: Des Moines
2559 ft · 1 min
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12
Turn straight onto Southridge Boulevard
1.4 mi · 2 min · Southridge Boulevard
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13
Continue on Southeast 14th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · Southeast 14th Street
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14
Turn slight left onto Indianola Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Indianola Avenue
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15
Turn right onto Southeast 6th Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · Southeast 6th Street
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16
Continue on East 6th Street
1433 ft · 37 sec · East 6th Street
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17
Turn right onto East Locust Street
150 m · 15 sec · East Locust Street
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18
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · 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 Centerville 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.
South Main Street
Keep slight left
25 mi · 00h 37m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Centerville 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 Centerville to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 88.9 miles (143.1 km) and usually takes 01h 45m 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?
Indiana is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.3 miles from Centerville and 45.7 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 71 miles (114.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.9 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 2:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.84 one way or $23.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Centerville and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Indiana
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Indiana.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Centerville and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 71.02 mi (114.3 km).
#1 Centerville
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,414 |
| Coordinates | 40.7341800, -92.8740900 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| 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: 143 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.84 | $23.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.35 | $26.71 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.61 | $29.23 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.65 | $33.31 |
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.