How far is Des Moines, IA from Cresco, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Cresco, IA is about 188.6 miles (303.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 144.7 miles (232.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 35m 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 47m.
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 Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Cresco.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Cresco.
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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
101.7 mi · 1 hr 50 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
1 mi · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left
30.4 mi · 35 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 218, CR T44: Floyd
2362 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn left onto Monroe Street
11.4 mi · 16 min · Monroe Street
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11
Turn right onto State Highway 9
12.3 mi · 17 min · State Highway 9
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12
Continue on Highway 9
1.2 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
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13
Continue on West Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · West Main Street
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14
Continue on State Highway 9
20.6 mi · 28 min · State Highway 9
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15
Continue on 2nd Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
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16
Turn left onto 3rd Street Southwest
774 ft · 15 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
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17
Continue on 3rd Street West
3257 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street West
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18
Turn right onto 8th Avenue West
1678 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue West
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Avenue East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Cresco.
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
102 mi · 01h 50m
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 leaving Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Cresco.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Cresco?
The road trip is about 188.6 miles (303.6 km) and usually takes 03h 47m 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?
Thornton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94.3 miles from Des Moines and 94.3 miles from Cresco.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 144.7 miles (232.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 43.9 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 9:24 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.11 one way or $50.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Cresco.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Cresco. Straight-line distance: 144.7 mi (232.88 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cresco (-92.11405, 43.38136)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 304 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.11 | $50.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.32 | $56.65 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.00 | $61.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.32 | $70.65 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.