How far is Des Moines, IA from Ely, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Ely, IA is about 125.8 miles (202.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.1 miles (170.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 48m 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 24m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Ely.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Ely.
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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
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
1476 ft · 36 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1628 ft · 40 sec
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8
Merge slight left
100.4 mi · 1 hr 48 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
2413 ft · 59 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
1.3 km · 2 min
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11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
13 mi · 14 min · Avenue of the Saints
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12
Take the exit slight right toward The Eastern Iowa Airport, Ely
1846 ft · 49 sec
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13
Turn right onto Wright Brothers Boulevard Southwest
3.6 mi · 6 min · Wright Brothers Boulevard Southwest
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14
Turn right onto Ely Road
1689 ft · 34 sec · Ely Road
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15
Continue on State Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Street
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16
Turn left onto Dows Street
642 ft · 18 sec · Dows Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Dows Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Ely.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 East
Merge slight left
100 mi · 01h 48m
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 Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ely.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Ely?
The road trip is about 125.8 miles (202.4 km) and usually takes 02h 24m 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?
Brooklyn is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.8 miles from Des Moines and 63 miles from Ely.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 106.1 miles (170.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.7 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 1:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.74 one way or $33.49 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Des Moines and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ely.
Stop Ideas Near Brooklyn
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 Brooklyn.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Ely. Straight-line distance: 106.04 mi (170.65 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ely
City in Linn County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,382 |
| Coordinates | 41.8736200, -91.5851800 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ely (-91.58518, 41.87362)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 202 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.74 | $33.49 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.88 | $37.77 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.66 | $41.33 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.55 | $47.10 |
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.