How far is Des Moines, IA from Leon, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Leon, IA is about 71.5 miles (115.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 59.9 miles (96.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 50m 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 25m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Leon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Leon.
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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
530 ft · 18 sec · East University Avenue
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3
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
876 ft · 18 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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4
Continue on East 6th Street
788 ft · 18 sec · East 6th Street
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5
Take the ramp right toward I-235 west
1348 ft · 33 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
8.5 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Kansas City
2282 ft · 55 sec · Ramp 72 K
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8
Merge slight left
50.2 mi · 54 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Webb
1651 ft · 46 sec
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10
Turn left onto 120th Street
1038 ft · 21 sec · 120th Street
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11
Continue on Line Street
1.2 km · 1 min · Line Street
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12
Continue on 120th Street
1.6 km · 2 min · 120th Street
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13
Turn right
9.4 mi · 13 min
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Northwest Church Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Leon.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Ramp 72 K
Merge slight left
50.2 mi · 00h 54m
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 Showers then Sunny near Leon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Leon?
The road trip is about 71.5 miles (115.1 km) and usually takes 01h 25m 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?
Truro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 35.8 miles from Des Moines and 35.7 miles from Leon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 59.9 miles (96.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.6 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 3:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.50 one way or $19.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Leon.
Stop Ideas Near Truro
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 Truro.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Leon. Straight-line distance: 59.91 mi (96.42 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Leon
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,808 |
| Coordinates | 40.7397200, -93.7477200 |
| Altitude | 343 |
| Country | United States |
End: Leon (-93.74772, 40.73972)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 115 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.50 | $19.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.72 | $21.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.73 | $23.46 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.37 | $26.73 |
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.