How far is Des Moines, IA from Manly, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Manly, IA is about 129.8 miles (208.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 118.4 miles (190.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 53m 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 26m.
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.
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Manly.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Manly.
-
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
115.1 mi · 2 hr 4 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right
2004 ft · 49 sec
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8
Turn right onto State Highway 9
6.9 mi · 9 min · State Highway 9
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9
Continue on West South Street
2625 ft · 1 min · West South Street
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10
Turn sharp left onto South Todd Street
1313 ft · 59 sec · South Todd Street
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11
Turn right
77 m · 19 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Manly.
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
115 mi · 02h 04m
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.
Sunny leaving Des Moines and Patchy Fog then Sunny near Manly.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Manly?
The road trip is about 129.8 miles (208.9 km) and usually takes 02h 26m 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?
Williams is a useful midpoint, sitting about 64.9 miles from Des Moines and 64.9 miles from Manly.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 118.4 miles (190.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.4 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 1:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.27 one way or $34.54 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Des Moines and Patchy Fog then Sunny near Manly.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Manly. Straight-line distance: 118.36 mi (190.49 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Manly
American city in Iowa
| Population | 1,271 |
| Coordinates | 43.2871800, -93.2021500 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| Country | United States |
End: Manly (-93.20215, 43.28718)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 209 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.27 | $34.54 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.48 | $38.96 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.32 | $42.63 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.29 | $48.58 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.