How far is Des Moines, IA from Oskaloosa, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Oskaloosa, IA is about 59.8 miles (96.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 54.2 miles (87.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 35m 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 01h 17m.
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 Jasper County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Oskaloosa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Oskaloosa.
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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
45.8 mi · 53 min · East University Avenue
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5
Turn left onto Jewell Avenue
76 m · 7 sec · Jewell Avenue
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6
Continue on Old Highway 163
1.3 mi · 2 min · Old Highway 163
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Highway 432
9 m · 2 sec · Highway 432
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8
Exit the roundabout onto Highway 432
2760 ft · 56 sec · Highway 432
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto A Avenue West
1.1 mi · 3 min · A Avenue West
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10
Turn left
17 m · 4 sec
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Oskaloosa.
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
45.8 mi · 00h 53m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Des Moines and Sunny near Oskaloosa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Oskaloosa?
The road trip is about 59.8 miles (96.2 km) and usually takes 01h 17m 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?
Monroe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.8 miles from Des Moines and 30 miles from Oskaloosa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 54.2 miles (87.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.6 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.96 one way or $15.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Moines and Sunny near Oskaloosa.
Stop Ideas Near Monroe
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Colfax City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Monroe.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Oskaloosa. Straight-line distance: 54.2 mi (87.23 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Oskaloosa
City in and the county seat of Mahaska County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 11,803 |
| Coordinates | 41.2963900, -92.6443600 |
| Altitude | 256 |
| Country | United States |
End: Oskaloosa (-92.64436, 41.29639)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 96 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.96 | $15.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.97 | $17.95 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.82 | $19.64 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.19 | $22.38 |
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 · Jun 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.