How far is Clear Lake, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Clear Lake, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 113.2 miles (182.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.9 miles (172 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 29m 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 44m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clear Lake and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clear Lake and Des Moines.
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1
Start on North 6th Street
24 m · 6 sec · North 6th Street
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2
Turn right onto 1st Avenue North
57 m · 10 sec · 1st Avenue North
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3
Turn right onto North 8th Street
1671 ft · 34 sec · North 8th Street
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4
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.1 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
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5
Take the ramp right toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des Moines
1796 ft · 44 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
1.7 mi · 2 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
2212 ft · 27 sec
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8
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
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9
Merge slight left
102.7 mi · 1 hr 51 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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11
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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14
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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15
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Clear Lake 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.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 113.2 miles (182.1 km) and usually takes 01h 44m 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?
Ellsworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56.5 miles from Clear Lake and 56.7 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 106.9 miles (172 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.3 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 3:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.05 one way or $30.09 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Clear Lake and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clear Lake and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 106.88 mi (172 km).
#1 Clear Lake
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 7,517 |
| Coordinates | 43.1380200, -93.3793700 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| 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: 182 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.05 | $30.09 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.97 | $33.94 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.57 | $37.14 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.16 | $42.33 |
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.