How far is Des Moines, IA from Jewell, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Jewell, IA is about 55.1 miles (88.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.8 miles (78.6 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 Iowa, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Jewell.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Jewell.
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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
44.4 mi · 49 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IA 175: Jewell, Eldora
1640 ft · 46 sec
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8
Turn left onto 330th Street
2827 ft · 48 sec · 330th Street
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9
Continue on Highway 175
736 ft · 12 sec · Highway 175
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10
Continue on Edwards Street
1308 ft · 22 sec · Edwards Street
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11
Continue on 330th Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · 330th Street
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12
Continue on Edwards Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Edwards Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Edwards Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Jewell.
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
44.4 mi · 00h 49m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Moines and Sunny near Jewell.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Jewell?
The road trip is about 55.1 miles (88.7 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?
Kelley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.6 miles from Des Moines and 27.5 miles from Jewell.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.8 miles (78.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.3 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 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 $7.35 one way or $14.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Moines and Sunny near Jewell.
Stop Ideas Near Kelley
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 Kelley.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Jewell. Straight-line distance: 48.83 mi (78.59 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Jewell
City in Jewell County, Kansas
| Population | 1,188 |
| Coordinates | 42.3069300, -93.6402200 |
| Altitude | 322 |
| Country | United States |
End: Jewell (-93.64022, 42.30693)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 89 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.35 | $14.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.29 | $16.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.08 | $18.15 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.34 | $20.69 |
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 · Jun 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.