How far is Des Moines, IA from Estherville, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Estherville, IA is about 188.5 miles (303.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.2 miles (224 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 54m 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 57m.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Estherville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Estherville.
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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
56.1 mi · 1 hr 5 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 4: Rockwell City, Pocahontas
2133 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn right onto Marshall Avenue
1.4 mi · 2 min · Marshall Avenue
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11
Keep slight left to continue on Marshall Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Marshall Avenue
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12
Continue on Marengo Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Marengo Avenue
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13
Continue on South East Street
1.2 km · 1 min · South East Street
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14
Continue on Marengo Avenue
2317 ft · 39 sec · Marengo Avenue
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15
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · 220th Avenue
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16
Continue on Southwest 7th Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Southwest 7th Street
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17
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.1 mi · 15 min · 220th Avenue
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18
Continue on 460th Avenue
13 mi · 18 min · 460th Avenue
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19
Continue on Broadway Street
1.6 km · 3 min · Broadway Street
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20
Turn left onto Main Street
1.5 km · 2 min · Main Street
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21
Continue on 450th Avenue
1.6 km · 2 min · 450th Avenue
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22
Continue on 360th Street
2.9 mi · 4 min · 360th Street
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23
Turn right onto 420th Avenue
8.9 mi · 12 min · 420th Avenue
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24
Continue on State Highway 4
10.6 mi · 15 min · State Highway 4
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25
Continue on South 9th Street
2829 ft · 1 min · South 9th Street
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26
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 9th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Estherville.
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
56.1 mi · 01h 05m
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.
Sunny leaving Des Moines and Sunny near Estherville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Estherville?
The road trip is about 188.5 miles (303.3 km) and usually takes 03h 57m 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 94.2 miles from Des Moines and 94.3 miles from Estherville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.2 miles (224 km), while the road route adds roughly 49.3 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 9:06 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.08 one way or $50.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Des Moines and Sunny near Estherville.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Estherville. Straight-line distance: 139.17 mi (223.98 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Estherville
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,587 |
| Coordinates | 43.4016300, -94.8327600 |
| Altitude | 395 |
| Country | United States |
End: Estherville (-94.83276, 43.40163)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 303 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 16m |
| 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 | $25.08 | $50.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.28 | $56.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.95 | $61.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.27 | $70.54 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.