How far is Des Moines, IA from Pocahontas, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Pocahontas, IA is about 138.1 miles (222.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 95.4 miles (153.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 30m 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 02h 45m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Pocahontas.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Pocahontas.
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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
56.1 mi · 1 hr 5 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 4: Rockwell City, Pocahontas
2133 ft · 60 sec
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10
Turn right onto Marshall Avenue
1.4 mi · 2 min · Marshall Avenue
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11
Keep slight left to continue on Marshall Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Marshall Avenue
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12
Continue on Marengo Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Marengo Avenue
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13
Continue on South East Street
1.2 km · 1 min · South East Street
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14
Continue on Marengo Avenue
2317 ft · 39 sec · Marengo Avenue
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15
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · 220th Avenue
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16
Continue on Southwest 7th Street
2573 ft · 1 min · Southwest 7th Street
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17
Turn right onto West Elm Avenue
2673 ft · 51 sec · West Elm Avenue
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18
Turn left onto North Main Street
1019 ft · 50 sec · North Main Street
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19
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue Northwest
22 m · 3 sec · 3rd Avenue Northwest
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 3rd Avenue Northwest
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Pocahontas.
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
56.1 mi · 01h 05m
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.
Sunny leaving Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Pocahontas.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Pocahontas?
The road trip is about 138.1 miles (222.3 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Kamrar is a useful midpoint, sitting about 69 miles from Des Moines and 69.1 miles from Pocahontas.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 95.4 miles (153.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.7 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 1:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.36 one way or $36.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Pocahontas.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Pocahontas. Straight-line distance: 95.37 mi (153.49 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Pocahontas
City in and county seat of Pocahontas County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,630 |
| Coordinates | 42.7355300, -94.6691500 |
| Altitude | 372 |
| Country | United States |
End: Pocahontas (-94.66915, 42.73553)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 222 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.36 | $36.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.71 | $41.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.66 | $45.33 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.83 | $51.66 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.