How far is Des Moines, IA from Pella, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Pella, IA is about 42.8 miles (68.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.2 miles (61.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 54m 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 57m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Pella.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Pella.
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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
29.5 mi · 34 min · East University Avenue
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5
Take the exit slight right toward CR G28: Pella, Lake Red Rock
2170 ft · 57 sec
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6
Turn left onto County Highway G28
121 m · 8 sec · County Highway G28
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7
Continue on Washington Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · Washington Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Pella.
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
29.5 mi · 00h 34m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Des Moines and Partly Sunny near Pella.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Pella?
The road trip is about 42.8 miles (68.9 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
Prairie City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.4 miles from Des Moines and 21.4 miles from Pella.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.2 miles (61.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.6 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 4:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.69 one way or $11.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Des Moines and Partly Sunny near Pella.
Stop Ideas Near Prairie City
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 Prairie City.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Pella. Straight-line distance: 38.23 mi (61.53 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Pella
City in Marion County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,266 |
| Coordinates | 41.4080500, -92.9163100 |
| Altitude | 270 |
| Country | United States |
End: Pella (-92.91631, 41.40805)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 69 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.69 | $11.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.42 | $12.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.03 | $14.06 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.01 | $16.02 |
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 28, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.