How far is Des Moines, IA from Saint Ansgar, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Saint Ansgar, IA is about 150.2 miles (241.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.8 miles (205.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 59m 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 59m.
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 Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Saint Ansgar.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Saint Ansgar.
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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
115.1 mi · 2 hr 4 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
2004 ft · 49 sec
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8
Turn right onto State Highway 9
6.9 mi · 9 min · State Highway 9
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9
Continue on West South Street
1 mi · 2 min · West South Street
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10
Continue on State Highway 9
9.4 mi · 13 min · State Highway 9
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11
Turn left onto Balsam Avenue
6 mi · 11 min · Balsam Avenue
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12
Turn right onto 420th Street
4 mi · 7 min · 420th Street
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13
At the end of the road, turn left onto Foothill Avenue
1132 ft · 23 sec · Foothill Avenue
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14
Continue on South Main Street
1280 ft · 48 sec · South Main Street
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15
Turn right onto West 4th Street
1735 ft · 1 min · West 4th Street
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16
Turn right onto Train Lane
18 m · 3 sec · Train Lane
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Train Lane
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Saint Ansgar.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
John MacVicar Freeway
Continue straight
115 mi · 02h 04m
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 Sunny near Saint Ansgar.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Saint Ansgar?
The road trip is about 150.2 miles (241.8 km) and usually takes 02h 59m 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?
Dows is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.1 miles from Des Moines and 75.1 miles from Saint Ansgar.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.8 miles (205.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.4 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 12:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.99 one way or $39.97 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Des Moines and Sunny near Saint Ansgar.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Saint Ansgar. Straight-line distance: 127.77 mi (205.62 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Saint Ansgar
City
| Population | 1,125 |
| Coordinates | 43.3783000, -92.9188100 |
| Altitude | 357 |
| Country | United States |
End: Saint Ansgar (-92.91881, 43.3783)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 242 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.99 | $39.97 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.54 | $45.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.67 | $49.33 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.11 | $56.22 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.