How far is Des Moines, IA from Centerville, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Centerville, IA is about 53.4 miles (85.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 37.9 miles (61 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 22m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
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 11m.
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.
City in Story County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
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
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
4.8 mi · 6 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Continue straight
22.8 mi · 25 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Business I 35, US 30: Ames, Iowa State University, Nevada
1652 ft · 40 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Business I 35, US 30 West: Ames, Iowa State University
12.5 mi · 15 min
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9
Turn slight right onto T Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · T Avenue
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10
Turn left onto 210th Street
2.1 mi · 3 min · 210th Street
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11
Continue on Mamie Eisenhower Avenue
3 mi · 5 min · Mamie Eisenhower Avenue
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12
Continue on West 3rd Street
1356 ft · 27 sec · West 3rd Street
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13
Continue on West Mamie Eisenhower Avenue
1331 ft · 29 sec · West Mamie Eisenhower Avenue
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14
Turn right onto Marion Street
2912 ft · 1 min · Marion Street
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15
Turn left onto West 12th Street
1.5 km · 2 min · West 12th Street
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16
Continue on West 12th Street
60 m · 4 sec · West 12th Street
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17
Continue on Mallard Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Mallard Avenue
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18
Continue on 188th Road
1 mi · 2 min · 188th Road
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19
Turn right onto Leaf Road
1.4 km · 3 min · Leaf Road
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Leaf Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Centerville.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
John MacVicar Freeway
Continue straight
22.8 mi · 00h 25m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Des Moines and Mostly Sunny 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 53.4 miles (85.9 km) and usually takes 01h 11m 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?
Huxley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.7 miles from Des Moines and 26.7 miles from Centerville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 37.9 miles (61 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.5 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:08 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.40 one way or $14.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Moines and Mostly Sunny near Centerville.
Stop Ideas Near Huxley
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 Huxley.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Centerville. Straight-line distance: 37.93 mi (61.05 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Centerville
Centerville is a place in Iowa, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 42.0927600, -93.9355100 |
| Altitude | 279 |
| Country | United States |
End: Centerville (-93.93551, 42.09276)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 86 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.94 | $7.40 | $14.81 |
| Mid-grade | $4.28 | $8.04 | $16.08 |
| Premium | $4.84 | $9.09 | $18.19 |
| Diesel | $6.01 | $11.30 | $22.60 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026