How far is Des Moines, IA from Osceola County, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Osceola County, IA is about 229.7 miles (369.6 km), with a travel time of about 04h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 160.1 miles (257.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 31m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 45m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 and county seat of Calhoun County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Osceola County.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Osceola County.
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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
54.3 mi · 59 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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8
Merge slight left
92.8 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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9
Turn right onto Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
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10
Continue on 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
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11
Turn left onto Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
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12
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
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13
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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14
Continue on V Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
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15
Turn left onto State Highway 3
1153 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 3
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16
Turn straight onto 530th Street
3.1 mi · 4 min · 530th Street
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17
Turn right onto State Highway 3
2.7 mi · 4 min · State Highway 3
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18
Turn right
13.6 mi · 19 min
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19
Turn left onto 470th Street
4.1 mi · 6 min · 470th Street
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20
Continue on Silver Avenue
7.2 mi · 10 min · Silver Avenue
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21
Continue on South Rerick Avenue
1.6 mi · 3 min · South Rerick Avenue
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22
Continue on Silver Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Silver Avenue
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23
Turn left onto 320th Street
1.6 km · 1 min · 320th Street
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24
Turn right onto Roosevelt Avenue
13 mi · 18 min · Roosevelt Avenue
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25
Turn right onto 190th Street
1.6 km · 4 min · 190th Street
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26
Turn left onto Silver Avenue
1455 ft · 1 min · Silver Avenue
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27
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Silver Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Osceola County.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 West
Merge slight left
92.8 mi · 01h 47m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Osceola County.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Osceola County?
The road trip is about 229.7 miles (369.6 km) and usually takes 04h 45m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Rockwell City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 114.7 miles from Des Moines and 115 miles from Osceola County.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 160.1 miles (257.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 69.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:28 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.06 one way or $68.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 72 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Osceola County.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Osceola County. Straight-line distance: 160.08 mi (257.62 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Osceola County
County in Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,987 |
| Coordinates | 43.3785700, -95.6236900 |
| Altitude | 477 |
| Country | United States |
End: Osceola County (-95.62369, 43.37857)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 370 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.21 | $34.06 | $68.12 |
| Mid-grade | $4.47 | $36.24 | $72.48 |
| Premium | $5.10 | $41.32 | $82.64 |
| Diesel | $6.07 | $49.18 | $98.35 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026