How far is Charles City, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Charles City, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 146.6 miles (235.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 112 miles (180.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 34m 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 17m.
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Charles City and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charles City and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on 4th Avenue
9 m · 3 sec · 4th Avenue
-
2
Continue on Brantingham Street
759 ft · 26 sec · Brantingham Street
-
3
Turn right onto Clark Street
1319 ft · 34 sec · Clark Street
-
4
Turn left onto North Main Street
1198 ft · 39 sec · North Main Street
-
5
Turn right onto Gilbert Street
2.5 mi · 5 min · Gilbert Street
-
6
Turn straight onto 185th Street
862 ft · 14 sec · 185th Street
-
7
Take the ramp right
1685 ft · 41 sec
-
8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
32.9 mi · 38 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
9
Take the exit slight left toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
-
10
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
-
11
Merge slight left
102.7 mi · 1 hr 51 min
-
12
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
-
13
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
-
15
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
-
16
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
-
17
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Charles City 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 35 South
Merge slight left
103 mi · 01h 51m
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 leaving Charles City 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 Charles City to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 146.6 miles (235.9 km) and usually takes 02h 17m 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?
Dows is a useful midpoint, sitting about 73.2 miles from Charles City and 73.4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 112 miles (180.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.6 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 1:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.50 one way or $38.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Charles City and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Charles City and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 112.01 mi (180.26 km).
#1 Charles City
City in Iowa
| Population | 7,307 |
| Coordinates | 43.0663600, -92.6724100 |
| 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: 236 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.50 | $38.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.99 | $43.98 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.06 | $48.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.42 | $54.84 |
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.