How far is Des Moines, IA from Fairbank, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Fairbank, IA is about 138.6 miles (223.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 107.5 miles (173 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 00m 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 03h 00m.
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 Grundy County, 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 Fairbank.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Fairbank.
-
1
Start on East University Avenue
147 m · 39 sec · East University Avenue
-
2
Turn uturn onto East University Avenue
2836 ft · 1 min · East University Avenue
-
3
Turn right onto East 14th Street
1908 ft · 58 sec · East 14th Street
-
4
Take the ramp left toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet
1.3 km · 1 min
-
5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
1476 ft · 36 sec
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1628 ft · 40 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
2428 ft · 1 min
-
10
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
-
11
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
35.2 mi · 42 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
-
12
Turn left onto Marsh Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Marsh Avenue
-
13
Continue on South Main Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
-
14
Continue on 160th Street
4.3 mi · 6 min · 160th Street
-
15
Turn left onto Sanford Avenue
15.9 mi · 22 min · Sanford Avenue
-
16
Turn right onto 240th Street
6.3 mi · 9 min · 240th Street
-
17
Turn left onto M Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · M Avenue
-
18
Continue on County Road T37
1 mi · 1 min · County Road T37
-
19
Turn sharp right onto 210th Street
1.6 km · 1 min · 210th Street
-
20
Turn left onto N Avenue
4.4 mi · 6 min · N Avenue
-
21
Take the ramp right toward US 20 East: Waterloo
2388 ft · 58 sec
-
22
Merge slight left
29.1 mi · 34 min
-
23
Keep slight left
7 mi · 8 min
-
24
Take the exit slight right
2151 ft · 59 sec
-
25
Turn left onto Benson Shady Grove Avenue
1.4 mi · 2 min · Benson Shady Grove Avenue
-
26
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Street
1395 ft · 30 sec · South Street
-
27
Turn right onto Main Street
1.6 km · 2 min · Main Street
-
28
Continue on Baxter Avenue
9 mi · 12 min · Baxter Avenue
-
29
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Baxter Avenue
39 m · 3 sec · Baxter Avenue
-
30
Exit the roundabout onto Baxter Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Baxter Avenue
-
31
Continue on Walnut Street South
1687 ft · 54 sec · Walnut Street South
-
32
Turn right onto Main Street West
2641 ft · 47 sec · Main Street West
-
33
Turn right onto 4th Street South
21 m · 1 sec · 4th Street South
-
34
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Fairbank.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Northeast Hubbell Road
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
35.2 mi · 00h 42m
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 Fairbank.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Fairbank?
The road trip is about 138.6 miles (223.1 km) and usually takes 03h 00m 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?
Conrad is a useful midpoint, sitting about 69.2 miles from Des Moines and 69.3 miles from Fairbank.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 107.5 miles (173 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.1 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 12:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.44 one way or $36.88 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.5 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 Fairbank.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Fairbank. Straight-line distance: 107.5 mi (173.01 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fairbank
City in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,132 |
| Coordinates | 42.6391500, -92.0471200 |
| Altitude | 301 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairbank (-92.04712, 42.63915)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 223 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.44 | $36.88 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.80 | $41.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.76 | $45.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.94 | $51.87 |
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.