How far is Des Moines, IA from Osceola, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Osceola, IA is about 49.3 miles (79.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 40 miles (64.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 57m 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 00h 58m.
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 Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Osceola.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Osceola.
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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
8.5 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Kansas City
2282 ft · 55 sec · Ramp 72 K
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8
Merge slight left
36.1 mi · 39 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward CR R35
1223 ft · 35 sec
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10
Turn left onto County Road R35
1.4 mi · 2 min · County Road R35
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11
Turn right onto North Main Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Osceola.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Ramp 72 K
Merge slight left
36.1 mi · 00h 39m
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 then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Osceola.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Osceola?
The road trip is about 49.3 miles (79.3 km) and usually takes 00h 58m 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?
Bevington is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.7 miles from Des Moines and 24.6 miles from Osceola.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 40 miles (64.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.3 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 4:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.56 one way or $13.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Osceola.
Stop Ideas Near Bevington
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 Bevington.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Osceola. Straight-line distance: 39.99 mi (64.35 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Osceola
City in Clarke County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,285 |
| Coordinates | 41.0338900, -93.7655000 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| Country | United States |
End: Osceola (-93.7655, 41.03389)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 79 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.56 | $13.12 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.40 | $14.80 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.10 | $16.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.23 | $18.46 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.