How far is Des Moines, IA from Centerville, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Centerville, IA is about 86.9 miles (139.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 71 miles (114.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 06m 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 02h 03m.
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.
A city located in the state of Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Centerville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Centerville.
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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
530 ft · 18 sec · East University Avenue
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3
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
876 ft · 20 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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4
Continue on East 6th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · East 6th Street
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5
Continue on Southeast 6th Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · Southeast 6th Street
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6
Turn left onto Indianola Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Indianola Avenue
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7
Turn slight right onto Southeast 14th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · Southeast 14th Street
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8
Continue on Southridge Boulevard
1.6 mi · 2 min · Southridge Boulevard
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9
Take the ramp slight right
1680 ft · 41 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
2.2 mi · 2 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
19 mi · 23 min
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12
Turn left
10.6 mi · 12 min
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13
Take the exit slight right
2592 ft · 1 min
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14
Turn right
25.6 mi · 38 min
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15
Turn straight onto South Clinton Street
20.6 mi · 31 min · South Clinton Street
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16
Turn right onto East Washington Street
1483 ft · 1 min · East Washington Street
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17
Turn left onto North 13th Street
110 m · 16 sec · North 13th Street
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18
Continue on North 13th Street
92 m · 14 sec · North 13th Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Centerville.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn right
25.6 mi · 00h 38m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Centerville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Centerville?
The road trip is about 86.9 miles (139.8 km) and usually takes 02h 03m 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?
Indiana is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.4 miles from Des Moines and 43.4 miles from Centerville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 71 miles (114.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.9 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 2:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.58 one way or $23.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Centerville.
Stop Ideas Near Indiana
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Indiana.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Centerville. Straight-line distance: 71.02 mi (114.3 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Centerville
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,414 |
| Coordinates | 40.7341800, -92.8740900 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| Country | United States |
End: Centerville (-92.87409, 40.73418)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 140 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 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 | $11.58 | $23.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.06 | $26.11 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.29 | $28.58 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.28 | $32.57 |
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.