How far is Des Moines, IA from Nashua, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Nashua, IA is about 143.8 miles (231.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 108.3 miles (174.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 58m 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 59m.
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 located in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Nashua.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Nashua.
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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
4.8 mi · 6 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Continue straight
77.1 mi · 1 hr 24 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IA 3: Hampton, Clarion
2550 ft · 1 min
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8
Turn right onto State Highway 3
8.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
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9
Continue on Central Avenue West
2.1 mi · 4 min · Central Avenue West
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10
Continue on State Highway 3
8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 3
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11
Continue on 210th Street
1.8 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
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12
Continue on South Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Street
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13
Continue on 210th Street
7.4 mi · 10 min · 210th Street
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14
Continue on State Highway 3
1 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
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15
Continue on 210th Street
6.5 mi · 9 min · 210th Street
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16
Turn left onto State Highway 188
1.8 mi · 3 min · State Highway 188
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17
Continue on South Main Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
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18
Continue on Spring Avenue
4 mi · 6 min · Spring Avenue
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19
Turn right onto 140th Street
6.6 mi · 10 min · 140th Street
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20
Take the ramp left
2081 ft · 57 sec
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21
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
6.6 mi · 8 min · Avenue of the Saints
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22
Take the exit slight right
2050 ft · 57 sec
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23
Turn right onto Sample Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Sample Street
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24
Turn right onto Main Street
612 ft · 27 sec · Main Street
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Nashua.
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
77.1 mi · 01h 24m
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 Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Nashua.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Nashua?
The road trip is about 143.8 miles (231.5 km) and usually takes 02h 59m 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?
Oakland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.9 miles from Des Moines and 72 miles from Nashua.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 108.3 miles (174.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.5 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 12:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.12 one way or $38.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Nashua.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Nashua. Straight-line distance: 108.34 mi (174.35 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Nashua
City in Chickasaw and Floyd counties in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,571 |
| Coordinates | 42.9527500, -92.5363000 |
| Altitude | 297 |
| Country | United States |
End: Nashua (-92.5363, 42.95275)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 231 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.12 | $38.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.56 | $43.13 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.60 | $47.19 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.89 | $53.78 |
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.