How far is Des Moines, IA from Oakland, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Oakland, IA is about 107.1 miles (172.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 94.8 miles (152.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 10m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
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 05m.
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 Adair and Guthrie Counties in the US state of Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Drizzle
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Oakland.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Oakland.
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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
-
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
-
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
9 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Merge slight right
82 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 59: Avoca, Harlan
1824 ft · 35 sec
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9
Turn straight
14 mi · 21 min
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10
Turn right
1.4 km · 2 min
-
11
Turn left onto North Kearney Street
112 m · 17 sec · North Kearney Street
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12
Turn right onto Oakland Avenue
34 m · 5 sec · Oakland Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Oakland Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Oakland.
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
Merge slight right
82 mi · 01h 28m
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 Drizzle leaving Des Moines and Mostly Cloudy near Oakland.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Oakland?
The road trip is about 107.1 miles (172.3 km) and usually takes 02h 05m 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?
Adair is a useful midpoint, sitting about 53.4 miles from Des Moines and 53.7 miles from Oakland.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 94.8 miles (152.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.3 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:20 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.89 one way or $29.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Drizzle around Des Moines and Mostly Cloudy near Oakland.
Stop Ideas Near Adair
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 Adair.
Creston
Osceola
Omaha
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Oakland. Straight-line distance: 94.73 mi (152.45 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Oakland
Oakland is a place in Iowa, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.3091600, -95.3966700 |
| Altitude | 337 |
| Country | United States |
End: Oakland (-95.39667, 41.30916)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 172 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.94 | $14.89 | $29.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.28 | $16.17 | $32.33 |
| Premium | $4.84 | $18.28 | $36.57 |
| Diesel | $6.01 | $22.72 | $45.44 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026