How far is Des Moines, IA from Wapello, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Wapello, IA is about 161.7 miles (260.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 128.9 miles (207.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 19m 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 03h 09m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Wapello.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Wapello.
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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
100.4 mi · 1 hr 48 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
2413 ft · 59 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 South, IA 27 South: Mount Pleasant, Keokuk
2271 ft · 55 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
29.3 mi · 34 min · Avenue of the Saints
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12
Take the exit slight right
1847 ft · 53 sec
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13
Turn right onto State Highway 92
8.8 mi · 13 min · State Highway 92
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14
Continue on Oak Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Oak Street
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15
Continue on State Highway 92
8.1 mi · 12 min · State Highway 92
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16
Take the ramp right toward US 61 south: Burlington
1456 ft · 36 sec
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17
Merge slight left
6.5 mi · 7 min
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18
Turn left onto Franklin Street
2623 ft · 58 sec · Franklin Street
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19
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
676 ft · 30 sec · North 2nd Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Wapello.
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
100 mi · 01h 48m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Des Moines and Mostly Sunny near Wapello.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Wapello?
The road trip is about 161.7 miles (260.2 km) and usually takes 03h 09m 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?
Ladora is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.7 miles from Des Moines and 81 miles from Wapello.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 128.9 miles (207.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.49 one way or $42.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Moines and Mostly Sunny near Wapello.
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 Wapello. Straight-line distance: 128.92 mi (207.48 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Wapello
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,999 |
| Coordinates | 41.1814200, -91.1854300 |
| Altitude | 177 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wapello (-91.18543, 41.18142)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 260 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.49 | $42.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.24 | $48.48 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.53 | $53.06 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.23 | $60.47 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.