How far is Des Moines, IA from Remsen, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Remsen, IA is about 208 miles (334.8 km), with a travel time of about 04h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 147.2 miles (236.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 15m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 07m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Remsen.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Remsen.
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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
121.1 mi · 2 hr 21 min
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9
Turn right onto Lee Avenue
5.4 mi · 7 min · Lee Avenue
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10
Continue on Shamrock Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · Shamrock Avenue
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11
Turn left onto 320th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 320th Street
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12
Turn right onto State Highway 140
15.1 mi · 21 min · State Highway 140
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13
Turn left onto State Highway 3
1.3 km · 2 min · State Highway 3
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14
Turn right onto Washington Street
2280 ft · 2 min · Washington Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Remsen.
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
121 mi · 02h 21m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Des Moines and Sunny near Remsen.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Remsen?
The road trip is about 208 miles (334.8 km) and usually takes 04h 07m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 103.9 miles from Des Moines and 104.1 miles from Remsen.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 147.2 miles (236.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 60.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:44 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.68 one way or $55.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 65.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Des Moines and Sunny near Remsen.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Remsen. Straight-line distance: 147.23 mi (236.94 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Remsen
City in Plymouth County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,607 |
| Coordinates | 42.8147100, -95.9733500 |
| Altitude | 405 |
| Country | United States |
End: Remsen (-95.97335, 42.81471)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 335 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.68 | $55.36 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.22 | $62.43 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $34.16 | $68.32 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.93 | $77.86 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.