How far is Cherokee, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Cherokee, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 181.6 miles (292.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.3 miles (204.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 43m 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 51m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cherokee and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cherokee and Des Moines.
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1
Start on the route
32 m · 13 sec
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2
Turn left onto South 2nd Street
48 m · 9 sec · South 2nd Street
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3
Turn right onto East Main Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 977
1852 ft · 37 sec · State Highway 977
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5
Continue on 530th Street
3.7 mi · 5 min · 530th Street
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6
Turn right onto V Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
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7
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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8
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
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9
Continue on Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
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10
Turn right onto 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
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11
Continue on Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
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12
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
92.4 mi · 1 hr 47 min · 220th Street
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left
54.5 mi · 59 min
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15
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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16
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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17
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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18
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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19
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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20
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cherokee 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.
220th Street
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
92.4 mi · 01h 47m
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 Cherokee and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cherokee to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 181.6 miles (292.2 km) and usually takes 02h 51m 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?
Otho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.2 miles from Cherokee and 91.4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.3 miles (204.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 54.3 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 12:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.17 one way or $48.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Cherokee and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cherokee and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 127.26 mi (204.8 km).
#1 Cherokee
Native American people indigenous to the Southeastern United States
| Population | 4,841 |
| Coordinates | 42.7494300, -95.5516700 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| 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: 292 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.17 | $48.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.26 | $54.52 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.83 | $59.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.00 | $68.00 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.