How far is Des Moines, IA from Garner, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Garner, IA is about 112 miles (180.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 103.8 miles (167 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 39m 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 19m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Garner.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Garner.
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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
3.3 mi · 4 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 69
1984 ft · 51 sec
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10
Turn right onto Little Wall Lake Road
19.5 mi · 27 min · Little Wall Lake Road
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11
Turn right onto 220th Street
1.3 km · 1 min · 220th Street
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12
Turn straight
12.3 mi · 17 min
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13
Continue straight
13.6 mi · 19 min
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14
At the end of the road, turn right
1 km · 1 min
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15
Turn right onto State Street
1270 ft · 42 sec · State Street
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16
Turn left onto East 3rd Street
21 m · 2 sec · East 3rd Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Garner.
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
54.3 mi · 00h 59m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny near Garner.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Garner?
The road trip is about 112 miles (180.3 km) and usually takes 02h 19m 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?
Ellsworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56 miles from Des Moines and 56 miles from Garner.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 103.8 miles (167 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.2 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 1:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.90 one way or $29.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny near Garner.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Garner. Straight-line distance: 103.78 mi (167.01 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Garner
Town in Hancock County, Iowa
| Population | 3,031 |
| Coordinates | 43.1024600, -93.6018800 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| Country | United States |
End: Garner (-93.60188, 43.10246)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 180 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.90 | $29.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.80 | $33.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.38 | $36.77 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.95 | $41.90 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.