How far is Des Moines, IA from Blue Grass, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Blue Grass, IA is about 160.2 miles (257.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 147.1 miles (236.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 05m 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 02m.
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 Iowa County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Blue Grass.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Blue Grass.
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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
146 mi · 2 hr 38 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward CR Y40: Walcott, Plain View
1289 ft · 32 sec
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10
Turn right onto North Plainview Road
1 km · 1 min · North Plainview Road
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11
Continue on 60th Avenue
1 km · 1 min · 60th Avenue
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12
Turn left onto 200th Street
1.5 km · 2 min · 200th Street
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13
Turn right onto 70th Avenue
2591 ft · 52 sec · 70th Avenue
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14
Continue on North Blue Grass Road
2815 ft · 56 sec · North Blue Grass Road
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15
Continue on 70th Avenue
4.5 mi · 8 min · 70th Avenue
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16
Continue on North Mississippi Street
2795 ft · 60 sec · North Mississippi Street
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17
Turn right onto West Garonne Street
21 m · 3 sec · West Garonne Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Garonne Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Blue Grass.
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
146 mi · 02h 38m
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 Likely leaving Des Moines and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Blue Grass.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Blue Grass?
The road trip is about 160.2 miles (257.8 km) and usually takes 03h 02m 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?
Ladora is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.9 miles from Des Moines and 80.3 miles from Blue Grass.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 147.1 miles (236.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:54 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.31 one way or $42.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Des Moines and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Blue Grass.
Stop Ideas Near Ladora
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 Ladora.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Blue Grass. Straight-line distance: 147.13 mi (236.78 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Blue Grass
City in Muscatine and Scott counties in the US state of Iowa
| Population | 1,660 |
| Coordinates | 41.5089200, -90.7659800 |
| Altitude | 241 |
| Country | United States |
End: Blue Grass (-90.76598, 41.50892)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 258 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.31 | $42.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.03 | $48.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.30 | $52.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.97 | $59.94 |
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.