How far is Des Moines, IA from Eldora, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Eldora, IA is about 79.2 miles (127.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 58.7 miles (94.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 22m 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 01h 41m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Eldora.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Eldora.
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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
44.4 mi · 49 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IA 175: Jewell, Eldora
1640 ft · 41 sec
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8
Turn right onto 330th Street
5.4 mi · 8 min · 330th Street
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9
Continue on State Highway 175
7.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 175
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10
Turn sharp left
3.6 mi · 5 min
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11
Turn straight
2.6 mi · 4 min
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12
Turn straight onto State Highway 175
6.9 mi · 10 min · State Highway 175
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13
Continue on Edgington Avenue
1.4 mi · 3 min · Edgington Avenue
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14
Turn left onto Washington Street
21 m · 2 sec · Washington Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Eldora.
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
44.4 mi · 00h 49m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Des Moines and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Eldora.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Eldora?
The road trip is about 79.2 miles (127.5 km) and usually takes 01h 41m 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?
Roland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.6 miles from Des Moines and 39.6 miles from Eldora.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 58.7 miles (94.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.5 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.52 one way or $21.04 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Des Moines and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Eldora.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Eldora. Straight-line distance: 58.69 mi (94.45 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Eldora
City in Hardin County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,571 |
| Coordinates | 42.3608200, -93.0996500 |
| Altitude | 331 |
| Country | United States |
End: Eldora (-93.09965, 42.36082)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 127 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.52 | $21.04 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.87 | $23.73 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.98 | $25.97 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.80 | $29.60 |
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 · 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.