How far is Des Moines, IA from Cherokee, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Cherokee, IA is about 181.2 miles (291.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.3 miles (204.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 13m 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 36m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Cherokee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Cherokee.
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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
54.3 mi · 59 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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8
Merge slight left
92.8 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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9
Turn right onto Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
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10
Continue on 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
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11
Turn left onto Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
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12
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
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13
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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14
Continue on V Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
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15
Turn left onto State Highway 3
1153 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 3
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16
Turn straight onto 530th Street
3.5 mi · 5 min · 530th Street
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17
Keep slight left to continue on State Highway 977
1852 ft · 37 sec · State Highway 977
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18
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
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19
Turn left onto South 2nd Street
48 m · 7 sec · South 2nd Street
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20
Turn right
32 m · 8 sec
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Cherokee.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 West
Merge slight left
92.8 mi · 01h 47m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms near Cherokee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Cherokee?
The road trip is about 181.2 miles (291.6 km) and usually takes 03h 36m 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?
Otho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.5 miles from Des Moines and 90.7 miles from Cherokee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.3 miles (204.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 53.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.13 one way or $48.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Cherokee.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Cherokee. Straight-line distance: 127.26 mi (204.8 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cherokee
Native American people indigenous to the Southeastern United States
| Population | 4,841 |
| Coordinates | 42.7494300, -95.5516700 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cherokee (-95.55167, 42.74943)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 292 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.13 | $48.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.22 | $54.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.79 | $59.57 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.95 | $67.89 |
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.