How far is Des Moines, IA from Grinnell, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Grinnell, IA is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 46.8 miles (75.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 09m 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 04m.
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 Jasper County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Grinnell.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Grinnell.
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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
44.2 mi · 48 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 146: Grinnell, New Sharon
1770 ft · 45 sec
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10
Turn left onto State Highway 146
136 m · 13 sec · State Highway 146
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11
Continue on West Street South
3.3 mi · 6 min · West Street South
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12
Turn right onto 4th Avenue
1329 ft · 32 sec · 4th Avenue
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13
Turn right onto Park Street
21 m · 3 sec · Park Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Park Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Grinnell.
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
44.2 mi · 00h 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 Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Grinnell.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Grinnell?
The road trip is about 53.7 miles (86.5 km) and usually takes 01h 04m 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?
Colfax is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.8 miles from Des Moines and 27 miles from Grinnell.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 46.8 miles (75.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.9 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 4:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.16 one way or $14.33 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Des Moines and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Grinnell.
Stop Ideas Near Colfax
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 Colfax.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Grinnell. Straight-line distance: 46.81 mi (75.33 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Grinnell
City in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 9,096 |
| Coordinates | 41.7430500, -92.7224100 |
| Altitude | 309 |
| Country | United States |
End: Grinnell (-92.72241, 41.74305)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.16 | $14.33 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.08 | $16.16 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.84 | $17.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.08 | $20.16 |
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.