How far is Des Moines, IA from Washington, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Washington, IA is about 112.2 miles (180.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 101.4 miles (163.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 09m 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 34m.
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 Mahaska County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Washington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Washington.
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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
9.1 mi · 16 min · East University Avenue
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3
Continue on Northeast University Avenue
1.8 mi · 2 min · Northeast University Avenue
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4
Continue on East University Avenue
45.8 mi · 53 min · East University Avenue
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5
Turn left onto Jewell Avenue
76 m · 7 sec · Jewell Avenue
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6
Continue on Old Highway 163
1.3 mi · 2 min · Old Highway 163
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Highway 432
9 m · 2 sec · Highway 432
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8
Exit the roundabout onto Highway 432
2760 ft · 56 sec · Highway 432
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto A Avenue West
2.5 mi · 5 min · A Avenue West
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10
Continue on State Highway 92
47.4 mi · 1 hr 9 min · State Highway 92
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11
Turn right
2 mi · 3 min
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12
Turn left onto West 5th Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West 5th Street
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13
Turn right onto North Marion Avenue
1469 ft · 1 min · North Marion Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Marion Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Washington.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
State Highway 92
Continue on State Highway 92
47.4 mi · 01h 09m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms near Washington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Washington?
The road trip is about 112.2 miles (180.6 km) and usually takes 02h 34m 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?
Beacon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56 miles from Des Moines and 56.2 miles from Washington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 101.4 miles (163.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.8 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 1:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.93 one way or $29.87 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Washington.
Stop Ideas Near Beacon
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Beacon.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Washington. Straight-line distance: 101.4 mi (163.18 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Washington
City in Washington County, Kansas
| Population | 1,131 |
| Coordinates | 41.2991800, -91.6929400 |
| Altitude | 232 |
| Country | United States |
End: Washington (-91.69294, 41.29918)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 181 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.93 | $29.87 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.84 | $33.68 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.43 | $36.86 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.00 | $42.01 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.