How far is Des Moines, IA from Mount Ayr, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Mount Ayr, IA is about 91 miles (146.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 69.3 miles (111.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 41m 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 50m.
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 Clarke County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Mount Ayr.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Mount Ayr.
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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
59.6 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 2: Leon, Mount Ayr
2038 ft · 51 sec
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10
Turn right onto State Highway 2
20.4 mi · 29 min · State Highway 2
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11
Continue on South Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South Street
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12
Turn right onto South Polk Street
1381 ft · 1 min · South Polk Street
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13
Turn right onto East Madison Street
88 m · 13 sec · East Madison Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Madison Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Mount Ayr.
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
59.6 mi · 01h 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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Des Moines and Partly Cloudy near Mount Ayr.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Mount Ayr?
The road trip is about 91 miles (146.5 km) and usually takes 01h 50m 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?
Osceola is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45.5 miles from Des Moines and 45.5 miles from Mount Ayr.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 69.3 miles (111.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.7 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 2:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.10 one way or $24.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Partly Cloudy near Mount Ayr.
Stop Ideas Near Osceola
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 Osceola.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Mount Ayr. Straight-line distance: 69.33 mi (111.58 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Mount Ayr
City in Ringgold County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,601 |
| Coordinates | 40.7147100, -94.2352300 |
| Altitude | 372 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mount Ayr (-94.23523, 40.71471)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 147 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.10 | $24.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.65 | $27.30 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.94 | $29.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.03 | $34.05 |
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 · May 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.