How far is Des Moines, IA from New London, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to New London, IA is about 146.1 miles (235.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 123.8 miles (199.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 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 56m.
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 Wapello County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and New London.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and New London.
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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
125.4 mi · 2 hr 25 min · East University Avenue
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5
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
2.3 mi · 3 min · Avenue of the Saints
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
1341 ft · 33 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
5 mi · 6 min
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8
Turn left onto 260th Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 260th Street
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9
Continue on West Main Street
2863 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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10
Turn left onto North Oak Street
136 m · 25 sec · North Oak Street
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11
Turn left
22 m · 5 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 New London.
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
125 mi · 02h 25m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near New London.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to New London?
The road trip is about 146.1 miles (235.1 km) and usually takes 02h 56m 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?
Chillicothe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 72.9 miles from Des Moines and 73.1 miles from New London.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 123.8 miles (199.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.3 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 12:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.42 one way or $38.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near New London.
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 New London. Straight-line distance: 123.83 mi (199.28 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 New London
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,825 |
| Coordinates | 40.9269800, -91.3996000 |
| Altitude | 232 |
| Country | United States |
End: New London (-91.3996, 40.92698)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 235 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.42 | $38.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.90 | $43.81 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.97 | $47.94 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.32 | $54.63 |
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.