How far is Des Moines, IA from Sioux City, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Sioux City, IA is about 199.1 miles (320.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156.1 miles (251.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 58m 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.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Sioux City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Sioux 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
530 ft · 18 sec · East University Avenue
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3
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
876 ft · 20 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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4
Continue on East 6th Street
788 ft · 18 sec · East 6th Street
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5
Take the ramp right toward I-235 west
1348 ft · 33 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
9 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Merge slight right
94.8 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 880 West: North Omaha, Sioux City
16.7 mi · 18 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 29 North: Sioux City
2271 ft · 39 sec
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10
Merge slight left
75.3 mi · 1 hr 21 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Floyd Boulevard, Virginia Street
1582 ft · 43 sec
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12
Turn right onto South Floyd Boulevard
3174 ft · 1 min · South Floyd Boulevard
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13
Turn left onto 5th Street
121 m · 13 sec · 5th Street
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14
Turn right onto Iowa Street
105 m · 7 sec · Iowa Street
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15
Keep slight left to continue on 6th Street
130 m · 16 sec · 6th Street
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16
Turn right onto Court Street
1199 ft · 39 sec · Court Street
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17
Turn left onto 9th Street
990 ft · 46 sec · 9th Street
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18
Turn right
35 m · 9 sec
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Sioux City.
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
Merge slight right
94.8 mi · 01h 42m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Des Moines and Areas Of Frost then Sunny near Sioux City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Sioux City?
The road trip is about 199.1 miles (320.5 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?
Shelby is a useful midpoint, sitting about 99.1 miles from Des Moines and 100 miles from Sioux City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156.1 miles (251.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 43 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 12:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.51 one way or $53.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Des Moines and Areas Of Frost then Sunny near Sioux City.
Stop Ideas Near Shelby
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 Shelby.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Sioux City. Straight-line distance: 156.09 mi (251.21 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sioux City
The second most populous city in Iowa.
| Population | 82,651 |
| Coordinates | 42.4999900, -96.4003100 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-96.400135, 42.499991)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 320 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.51 | $53.02 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.90 | $59.80 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.72 | $65.44 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.29 | $74.57 |
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 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.