How far is Des Moines, IA from Prairie City, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Prairie City, IA is about 20 miles (32.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 19.3 miles (31.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 01m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 30m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Prairie City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Prairie City.
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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
6.6 mi · 8 min · East University Avenue
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5
Turn left onto West 116th Street South
84 m · 7 sec · West 116th Street South
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6
Turn right onto State Highway 163 (Bus)
1.3 mi · 2 min · State Highway 163 (Bus)
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7
Turn left onto West 2nd Street
1.2 km · 1 min · West 2nd Street
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8
Turn left onto South State Street
1027 ft · 23 sec · South State Street
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9
Turn left onto East 5th Street
105 m · 15 sec · East 5th Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 5th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Prairie City.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
East University Avenue
Turn uturn onto East University Avenue
9.13 mi · 00h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Prairie City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Prairie City?
The road trip is about 20 miles (32.2 km) and usually takes 00h 30m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Altoona is a useful midpoint, sitting about 10 miles from Des Moines and 10.1 miles from Prairie City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 19.3 miles (31.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 0.7 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.68 one way or $5.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Prairie City.
Stop Ideas Near Altoona
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 Altoona.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Prairie City. Straight-line distance: 19.32 mi (31.09 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Prairie City
City in Jasper County, Iowa
| Population | 1,718 |
| Coordinates | 41.5994300, -93.2352100 |
| Altitude | 283 |
| Country | United States |
End: Prairie City (-93.23521, 41.59943)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 32 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.68 | $5.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.02 | $6.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $3.30 | $6.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $3.77 | $7.53 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.