How far is Des Moines, IA from Onawa, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Onawa, IA is about 163.7 miles (263.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 131.5 miles (211.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 00m 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 03h 00m.
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.
Human settlement in Cass County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Onawa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Onawa.
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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
9 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Merge slight right
94.8 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 880 West: North Omaha, Sioux City
16.7 mi · 18 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 29 North: Sioux City
2271 ft · 39 sec
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10
Merge slight left
40 mi · 43 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 175: Onaea, Decatur Nebraska
1891 ft · 34 sec
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12
Turn right onto State Highway 175
1 km · 56 sec · State Highway 175
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13
Continue on Iowa Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Iowa Avenue
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14
Turn right onto 10th Street
9 m · 1 sec · 10th Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 10th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Onawa.
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
94.8 mi · 01h 42m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers near Onawa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Onawa?
The road trip is about 163.7 miles (263.5 km) and usually takes 03h 00m 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?
Marne is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.7 miles from Des Moines and 82 miles from Onawa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 131.5 miles (211.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.2 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 12:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.80 one way or $43.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers near Onawa.
Stop Ideas Near Marne
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 Marne.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Onawa. Straight-line distance: 131.46 mi (211.57 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Onawa
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,766 |
| Coordinates | 42.0266500, -96.0972400 |
| Altitude | 320 |
| Country | United States |
End: Onawa (-96.09724, 42.02665)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 263 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.80 | $43.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.58 | $49.16 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.90 | $53.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.66 | $61.31 |
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.