How far is Clinton, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Clinton, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 198.5 miles (319.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 177.2 miles (285.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 19m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 09m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clinton and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clinton and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on 2nd Avenue South
1.4 km · 2 min · 2nd Avenue South
-
2
Turn left onto South Bluff Boulevard
1.4 mi · 2 min · South Bluff Boulevard
-
3
Turn straight onto Manufacturing Drive
1.6 mi · 3 min · Manufacturing Drive
-
4
Turn right onto Lincoln Way
17.2 mi · 21 min · Lincoln Way
-
5
Merge slight left
13.9 mi · 16 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right
69.9 mi · 1 hr 17 min
-
7
Continue straight
87.9 mi · 1 hr 35 min
-
8
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
-
9
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
-
11
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
-
12
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
-
13
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Clinton 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.
Lincoln Way
Continue straight
87.9 mi · 01h 35m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Clinton 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 Clinton to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 198.5 miles (319.4 km) and usually takes 03h 09m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Oxford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98.9 miles from Clinton and 99.5 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 177.2 miles (285.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.40 one way or $52.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Clinton and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Oxford
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 Oxford.
Mount Pleasant
Ottumwa station
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clinton and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 177.18 mi (285.14 km).
#1 Clinton
Clinton is a city in Clinton County, Iowa, United States, and the county seat.
| Population | 25,039 |
| Coordinates | 41.8444700, -90.1887400 |
| Altitude | 179 |
| 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: 319 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.40 | $52.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.77 | $59.54 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.58 | $65.16 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.13 | $74.26 |
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 · May 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.