How far is Creston, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Creston, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 80.2 miles (129 km), with a travel time of about 01h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 54.1 miles (87 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 47m 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 23m.
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 Warren County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Creston and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Creston and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on East Montgomery Street
690 ft · 40 sec · East Montgomery Street
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2
Turn left onto North Elm Street
1 km · 2 min · North Elm Street
-
3
Turn left onto West Taylor Street
30.5 mi · 42 min · West Taylor Street
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4
Take the ramp right toward I-35 north: Des Moines
1219 ft · 30 sec
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5
Merge slight left
39 mi · 42 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 235 East: Des Moines
1.2 km · 2 min · Ramp 72 D
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7
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
8 mi · 10 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
-
9
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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10
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Creston 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 north
Merge slight left
39 mi · 00h 42m
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 Likely leaving Creston 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 Creston to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 80.2 miles (129 km) and usually takes 01h 23m 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?
New Virginia is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40 miles from Creston and 40.1 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 54.1 miles (87 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.1 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 3:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.67 one way or $21.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Creston and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near New Virginia
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 New Virginia.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Creston and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 54.08 mi (87.04 km).
#1 Creston
City in Iowa
| Population | 7,660 |
| Coordinates | 41.0586000, -94.3613500 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| 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: 129 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.67 | $21.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.04 | $24.07 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.17 | $26.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.01 | $30.02 |
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.