How far is Des Moines, IA from Mediapolis, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Mediapolis, IA is about 157.3 miles (253.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.3 miles (214.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 42m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 21m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Wapello County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Mediapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Mediapolis.
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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
9.1 mi · 16 min · East University Avenue
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3
Continue on Northeast University Avenue
1.8 mi · 2 min · Northeast University Avenue
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4
Continue on East University Avenue
124.3 mi · 2 hr 23 min · East University Avenue
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5
Take the exit slight right
2097 ft · 53 sec
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6
Turn right onto Old US Highway 218
2397 ft · 45 sec · Old US Highway 218
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7
Turn left onto Winfield Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Winfield Avenue
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8
Continue on 220th Street
7.4 mi · 13 min · 220th Street
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto Racine Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Racine Avenue
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10
Turn right onto 210th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
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11
Continue on Mediapolis Road
10.6 mi · 19 min · Mediapolis Road
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12
Turn straight onto Main Street
1946 ft · 44 sec · Main Street
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13
Turn left onto North Orchard Street
22 m · 3 sec · North Orchard Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Orchard Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Mediapolis.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
East University Avenue
Continue on East University Avenue
124 mi · 02h 23m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Des Moines and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Mediapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Mediapolis?
The road trip is about 157.3 miles (253.2 km) and usually takes 03h 21m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Chillicothe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.5 miles from Des Moines and 78.8 miles from Mediapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.3 miles (214.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 24 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:18 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.93 one way or $41.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Des Moines and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Mediapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Chillicothe
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 Chillicothe.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Osceola
Fort Madison station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Mediapolis. Straight-line distance: 133.34 mi (214.59 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Mediapolis
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,514 |
| Coordinates | 41.0080900, -91.1640400 |
| Altitude | 235 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mediapolis (-91.16404, 41.00809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 253 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.93 | $41.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.60 | $47.21 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.83 | $51.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.44 | $58.87 |
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.