How far is Des Moines, IA from Algona, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Algona, IA is about 136.9 miles (220.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.4 miles (171.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 40m 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 50m.
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.
Township in Hamilton County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Algona.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Algona.
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1
Start on East University Avenue
147 m · 39 sec · East University Avenue
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2
Turn uturn onto East University Avenue
2836 ft · 1 min · East University Avenue
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3
Turn right onto East 14th Street
1908 ft · 58 sec · East 14th Street
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4
Take the ramp left toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet
1.3 km · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
4.8 mi · 6 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Continue straight
54.3 mi · 59 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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8
Merge slight left
31.2 mi · 36 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 169
2133 ft · 59 sec
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10
Turn right
43.5 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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11
Turn left onto East McGregor Street
1636 ft · 35 sec · East McGregor Street
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12
Turn right onto South Jones Street
1121 ft · 30 sec · South Jones Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jones Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Algona.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
John MacVicar Freeway
Continue straight
54.3 mi · 00h 59m
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 Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers near Algona.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Algona?
The road trip is about 136.9 miles (220.3 km) and usually takes 02h 50m 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?
Blairsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 68.5 miles from Des Moines and 68.5 miles from Algona.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 106.4 miles (171.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.5 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 12:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.21 one way or $36.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers near Algona.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Algona. Straight-line distance: 106.41 mi (171.25 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Algona
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,359 |
| Coordinates | 43.0699700, -94.2330200 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| Country | United States |
End: Algona (-94.23302, 43.06997)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 220 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.21 | $36.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.54 | $41.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.48 | $44.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.62 | $51.24 |
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.