How far is Des Moines, IA from Marshalltown, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Marshalltown, IA is about 52.8 miles (85 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 47.6 miles (76.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 55m 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 00h 57m.
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.
Human settlement in Jasper County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Marshalltown.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Marshalltown.
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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
3.4 mi · 4 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
2428 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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11
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
35.2 mi · 42 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
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12
Continue on Marshalltown Boulevard
2.1 mi · 4 min · Marshalltown Boulevard
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13
Continue on West Lincolnway
2.2 mi · 4 min · West Lincolnway
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14
Continue on West Madison Street
1644 ft · 38 sec · West Madison Street
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15
Turn left onto South 3rd Street
2231 ft · 46 sec · South 3rd Street
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16
Turn right onto West Main Street
2675 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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17
Turn left onto North 3rd Avenue
31 m · 2 sec · North 3rd Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 3rd Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Marshalltown.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Northeast Hubbell Road
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
35.2 mi · 00h 42m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Marshalltown.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Marshalltown?
The road trip is about 52.8 miles (85 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
Mingo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.8 miles from Des Moines and 27 miles from Marshalltown.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 47.6 miles (76.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.2 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 4:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.01 one way or $14.03 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Marshalltown.
Stop Ideas Near Mingo
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 Mingo.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Marshalltown. Straight-line distance: 47.59 mi (76.59 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Marshalltown
City in Marshal County, Iowa
| Population | 26,736 |
| Coordinates | 42.0494300, -92.9079800 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
End: North 3rd Avenue (-92.908043, 42.04943)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 85 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.01 | $14.03 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.91 | $15.82 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.66 | $17.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.87 | $19.73 |
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 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.