How far is Des Moines, IA from Tama, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Tama, IA is about 68.7 miles (110.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 58.9 miles (94.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 50m 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 25m.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Tama.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Tama.
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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
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
1476 ft · 36 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1628 ft · 40 sec
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8
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
2428 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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11
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
33.5 mi · 39 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
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12
Take the exit right
2792 ft · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
22.2 mi · 26 min · Lincoln Highway
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14
Take the exit slight right
2562 ft · 1 min
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15
Turn right onto South County Road
1327 ft · 22 sec · South County Road
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16
Continue on Harding Street
2225 ft · 43 sec · Harding Street
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17
Turn left onto West 13th Street
1334 ft · 25 sec · West 13th Street
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18
Turn right onto State Street
1642 ft · 28 sec · State Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Tama.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Northeast Hubbell Road
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
33.5 mi · 00h 39m
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 Tama.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Tama?
The road trip is about 68.7 miles (110.5 km) and usually takes 01h 25m 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?
Rhodes is a useful midpoint, sitting about 34.3 miles from Des Moines and 34.4 miles from Tama.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 58.9 miles (94.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.8 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.13 one way or $18.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Des Moines and Sunny near Tama.
Stop Ideas Near Rhodes
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 Rhodes.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Tama. Straight-line distance: 58.89 mi (94.78 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Tama
City in Tokyo, Japan
| Population | 2,723 |
| Coordinates | 41.9666600, -92.5768600 |
| Altitude | 257 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tama (-92.57686, 41.96666)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 111 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.13 | $18.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.29 | $20.58 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.26 | $22.53 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.84 | $25.67 |
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.