How far is Des Moines, IA from Sanborn, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Sanborn, IA is about 216.2 miles (348 km), with a travel time of about 04h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 151.1 miles (243.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 50m 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 25m.
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Sanborn.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Sanborn.
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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
92.8 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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9
Turn right onto Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
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10
Continue on 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
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11
Turn left onto Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
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12
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
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13
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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14
Continue on V Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
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15
Turn left onto State Highway 3
1153 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 3
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16
Turn straight onto 530th Street
3.1 mi · 4 min · 530th Street
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17
Turn right onto State Highway 3
2.7 mi · 4 min · State Highway 3
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18
Turn right
13.6 mi · 19 min
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19
Turn left onto 470th Street
4.1 mi · 6 min · 470th Street
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20
Continue on Silver Avenue
7.2 mi · 10 min · Silver Avenue
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21
Continue on South Rerick Avenue
1.6 mi · 3 min · South Rerick Avenue
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22
Continue on Silver Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Silver Avenue
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23
Turn left onto 320th Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 320th Street
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24
Continue on US-18
928 ft · 28 sec · US-18
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25
Turn left onto Franklin Street
1621 ft · 1 min · Franklin Street
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26
Turn right onto East 2nd Street
101 m · 14 sec · East 2nd Street
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27
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Sanborn.
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
92.8 mi · 01h 47m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Moines and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny near Sanborn.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Sanborn?
The road trip is about 216.2 miles (348 km) and usually takes 04h 25m 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 108.1 miles from Des Moines and 108.2 miles from Sanborn.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 151.1 miles (243.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 65.1 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 8:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.77 one way or $57.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 67.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Moines and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny near Sanborn.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Sanborn. Straight-line distance: 151.12 mi (243.2 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sanborn
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,390 |
| Coordinates | 43.1816400, -95.6555700 |
| Altitude | 473 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sanborn (-95.65557, 43.18164)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 348 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $28.77 | $57.55 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $32.45 | $64.90 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $35.51 | $71.02 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $40.47 | $80.94 |
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 · Jun 10, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.