How far is Des Moines, IA from Buffalo, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, IA is about 170.8 miles (274.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 149.6 miles (240.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 24m 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 12m.
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.
City in Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Buffalo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Buffalo.
-
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
-
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
151.3 mi · 2 hr 44 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 280 East, US 6 East, US 61 South: Rock Island, Moline
8.3 mi · 10 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward IA 22: Rockingham Road, Buffalo
2082 ft · 54 sec
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11
Turn right onto Rockingham Road
2.1 mi · 3 min · Rockingham Road
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12
Continue on East Front Street
2.9 mi · 4 min · East Front Street
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13
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
114 m · 17 sec · Jefferson Street
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14
Turn left onto 2nd Street
11 m · 2 sec · 2nd Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Buffalo.
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
151 mi · 02h 44m
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.
Sunny leaving Des Moines and Sunny near Buffalo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Buffalo?
The road trip is about 170.8 miles (274.8 km) and usually takes 03h 12m 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?
Williamsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 85.2 miles from Des Moines and 85.6 miles from Buffalo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 149.6 miles (240.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.2 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 10:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.74 one way or $45.48 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Des Moines and Sunny near Buffalo.
Stop Ideas Near Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Buffalo. Straight-line distance: 149.58 mi (240.73 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Buffalo
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,257 |
| Coordinates | 41.4564200, -90.7234700 |
| Altitude | 171 |
| Country | United States |
End: Buffalo (-90.72347, 41.45642)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 275 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.74 | $45.48 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.65 | $51.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.06 | $56.13 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.98 | $63.97 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.