How far is Cresco, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Cresco, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 189.1 miles (304.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 144.7 miles (232.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 09m 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 04m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Cerro Gordo 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
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cresco and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cresco and Des Moines.
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1
Start on 8th Avenue East
1678 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue East
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2
Turn left onto 3rd Street West
3257 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street West
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3
Continue on 3rd Street Southwest
774 ft · 20 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
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4
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
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5
Continue on State Highway 9
20.6 mi · 28 min · State Highway 9
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6
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · East Main Street
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7
Continue on Highway 9
1.2 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
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8
Continue on State Highway 9
12.3 mi · 17 min · State Highway 9
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9
Turn left
11.2 mi · 16 min
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10
Take the ramp left toward US 18 east, IA 27 north: Mason City
1560 ft · 43 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
30.8 mi · 36 min · Avenue of the Saints
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12
Take the exit slight left toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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13
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
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14
Merge slight left
102.7 mi · 1 hr 51 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 Cresco 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 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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Cresco and 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 Cresco to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 189.1 miles (304.4 km) and usually takes 03h 04m 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?
Thornton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94.6 miles from Cresco and 94.6 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 144.7 miles (232.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.4 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 10:50 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.15 one way or $50.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Cresco and Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cresco and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 144.7 mi (232.88 km).
#1 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| 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: 304 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.15 | $50.31 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.37 | $56.74 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.04 | $62.08 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.38 | $70.76 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.