How far is Des Moines, IA from Belle Plaine, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Belle Plaine, IA is about 88 miles (141.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 71.6 miles (115.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 31m 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 45m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Jasper County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Belle Plaine.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Belle Plaine.
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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
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
1476 ft · 36 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1628 ft · 40 sec
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8
Merge slight left
63.7 mi · 1 hr 9 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 21: Belle Plain, What Cheer
1356 ft · 36 sec
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10
Turn right onto 220th Street
3.6 mi · 5 min · 220th Street
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11
Turn right onto 380th Avenue
4.2 mi · 6 min · 380th Avenue
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12
Turn left onto B Avenue
5.8 mi · 9 min · B Avenue
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13
Continue on State Highway 21
2.5 mi · 4 min · State Highway 21
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14
Continue on 11th Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · 11th Avenue
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15
Continue on 7th Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · 7th Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 7th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Belle Plaine.
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 80 East
Merge slight left
63.7 mi · 01h 09m
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 then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Belle Plaine.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Belle Plaine?
The road trip is about 88 miles (141.7 km) and usually takes 01h 45m 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?
Oakland Acres is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.9 miles from Des Moines and 44.1 miles from Belle Plaine.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 71.6 miles (115.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.73 one way or $23.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Belle Plaine.
Stop Ideas Near Oakland Acres
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 Oakland Acres.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Belle Plaine. Straight-line distance: 71.59 mi (115.22 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Belle Plaine
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,417 |
| Coordinates | 41.8969400, -92.2782400 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
End: Belle Plaine (-92.27824, 41.89694)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 142 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.73 | $23.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.23 | $26.45 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.47 | $28.95 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.50 | $32.99 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.