How far is Des Moines, IA from Walcott, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Walcott, IA is about 154.6 miles (248.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 146.6 miles (235.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 47m 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 53m.
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 County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Walcott.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Walcott.
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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
146 mi · 2 hr 38 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward CR Y40: Walcott, Plain View
1289 ft · 32 sec
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10
Turn right onto North Plainview Road
1 km · 1 min · North Plainview Road
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11
Continue on 60th Avenue
1 km · 1 min · 60th Avenue
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12
Turn left onto 200th Street
2374 ft · 47 sec · 200th Street
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13
Turn right onto North Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · North Main Street
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14
Turn left onto Bryant Street
705 ft · 36 sec · Bryant Street
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15
Turn left onto Downey Street
16 m · 2 sec · Downey Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Downey Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Walcott.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 East
Merge slight left
146 mi · 02h 38m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers near Walcott.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Walcott?
The road trip is about 154.6 miles (248.8 km) and usually takes 02h 53m 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?
Ladora is a useful midpoint, sitting about 77.1 miles from Des Moines and 77.5 miles from Walcott.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 146.6 miles (235.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 12:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.59 one way or $41.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers near Walcott.
Stop Ideas Near Ladora
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 Ladora.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Walcott. Straight-line distance: 146.59 mi (235.92 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Walcott
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,627 |
| Coordinates | 41.5847500, -90.7720900 |
| Altitude | 223 |
| Country | United States |
End: Walcott (-90.77209, 41.58475)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 249 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.59 | $41.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.22 | $46.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.41 | $50.82 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.96 | $57.92 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.