How far is Des Moines, IA from Sheffield, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Sheffield, IA is about 101.7 miles (163.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 91.6 miles (147.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 55m 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 01h 57m.
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.
City in Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Sheffield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Sheffield.
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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
87.8 mi · 1 hr 35 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward CR C13: Sheffield, Belmond
1554 ft · 39 sec
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8
Turn right onto 250th Street
6 mi · 11 min · 250th Street
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9
Continue on Grant Street
106 m · 7 sec · Grant Street
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10
Continue on Gilman Street
2239 ft · 50 sec · Gilman Street
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11
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Lincoln Street
624 ft · 15 sec · South Lincoln Street
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12
Turn right onto West Gilman Street
1799 ft · 36 sec · West Gilman Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Gilman Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Sheffield.
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
87.8 mi · 01h 35m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Moines and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Sheffield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Sheffield?
The road trip is about 101.7 miles (163.7 km) and usually takes 01h 57m 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?
Ellsworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50.9 miles from Des Moines and 50.8 miles from Sheffield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 91.6 miles (147.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.54 one way or $27.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Moines and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Sheffield.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Sheffield. Straight-line distance: 91.57 mi (147.36 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sheffield
City in Franklin County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,096 |
| Coordinates | 42.8933000, -93.2152000 |
| Altitude | 328 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sheffield (-93.2152, 42.8933)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 164 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.54 | $27.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.27 | $30.54 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.71 | $33.42 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.04 | $38.08 |
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 · May 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.