How far is Des Moines, IA from Burlington, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, IA is about 166.6 miles (268.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 40m 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 20m.
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.
Chance Rain Showers
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Burlington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Burlington.
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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
9.1 mi · 16 min · East University Avenue
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3
Continue on Northeast University Avenue
1.8 mi · 2 min · Northeast University Avenue
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4
Continue on East University Avenue
125.4 mi · 2 hr 25 min · East University Avenue
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5
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
2.3 mi · 3 min · Avenue of the Saints
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
1341 ft · 33 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
26.8 mi · 32 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Central Ave
1413 ft · 38 sec
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9
Turn right onto North Central Avenue
2899 ft · 1 min · North Central Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Burlington.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
East University Avenue
Continue on East University Avenue
125 mi · 02h 25m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Des Moines and Rain Showers Likely near Burlington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Burlington?
The road trip is about 166.6 miles (268.1 km) and usually takes 03h 20m 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?
Ottumwa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.2 miles from Des Moines and 83.5 miles from Burlington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:20 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.17 one way or $44.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Rain Showers Likely near Burlington.
Stop Ideas Near Ottumwa
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 Ottumwa.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Fort Madison station
La Plata
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Burlington. Straight-line distance: 140.85 mi (226.67 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Burlington
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 24,516 |
| Coordinates | 40.8075400, -91.1129200 |
| Altitude | 185 |
| Country | United States |
End: Burlington (-91.11292, 40.80754)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 268 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.17 | $44.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.01 | $50.02 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.37 | $54.73 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.19 | $62.38 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.