How far is Des Moines, IA from Baxter, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Baxter, IA is about 33 miles (53.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28.3 miles (45.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 38m 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 00h 49m.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Baxter.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Baxter.
-
1
Start on East University Avenue
147 m · 39 sec · East University Avenue
-
2
Turn uturn onto East University Avenue
2836 ft · 1 min · East University Avenue
-
3
Turn right onto East 14th Street
1908 ft · 58 sec · East 14th Street
-
4
Take the ramp left toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet
1.3 km · 1 min
-
5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
1476 ft · 36 sec
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1628 ft · 40 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
2428 ft · 1 min
-
10
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
-
11
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
13.5 mi · 16 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 north, IA 117 south: Colfax, Iowa Falls
1890 ft · 54 sec
-
13
Turn right onto State Highway 117
105 m · 12 sec · State Highway 117
-
14
Turn left onto County Highway F17
2.9 mi · 5 min · County Highway F17
-
15
Continue on Highway F17 West
4.8 mi · 8 min · Highway F17 West
-
16
Continue on West Buchanan Street
796 ft · 21 sec · West Buchanan Street
-
17
Turn left onto South Main Street
2218 ft · 2 min · South Main Street
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Baxter.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Northeast Hubbell Road
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
13.5 mi · 00h 16m
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 Des Moines and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Baxter.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Baxter?
The road trip is about 33 miles (53.1 km) and usually takes 00h 49m 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?
Bondurant is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.5 miles from Des Moines and 16.5 miles from Baxter.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28.3 miles (45.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.7 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 4:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.37 one way or $8.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Des Moines and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Baxter.
Stop Ideas Near Bondurant
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 Bondurant.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Baxter. Straight-line distance: 28.28 mi (45.51 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Baxter
Human settlement in Jasper County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,132 |
| Coordinates | 41.8261000, -93.1515900 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: Baxter (-93.15159, 41.8261)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 53 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.37 | $8.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.93 | $9.87 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.40 | $10.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.15 | $12.31 |
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.