How far is Eldridge, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Eldridge, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 167.9 miles (270.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156.2 miles (251.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 03m 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 31m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Eldridge and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eldridge and Des Moines.
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1
Start on North 2nd Street
22 m · 5 sec · North 2nd Street
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2
Turn right onto Donahue Street
95 m · 13 sec · Donahue Street
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3
Turn right onto North 1st Street
1315 ft · 49 sec · North 1st Street
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4
Turn left onto East Leclaire Road
1 km · 2 min · East Leclaire Road
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5
Take the ramp slight right
1937 ft · 47 sec
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6
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
69.9 mi · 1 hr 17 min
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8
Continue straight
87.9 mi · 1 hr 35 min
-
9
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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10
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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13
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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14
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Eldridge and Des Moines.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
East Leclaire Road
Continue straight
87.9 mi · 01h 35m
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 Eldridge and Sunny near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Eldridge to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 167.9 miles (270.2 km) and usually takes 02h 31m 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?
Williamsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.9 miles from Eldridge and 84.1 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156.2 miles (251.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.7 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 1:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.36 one way or $44.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Eldridge and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Eldridge and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 156.24 mi (251.45 km).
#1 Eldridge
City in Scott County Iowa
| Population | 6,864 |
| Coordinates | 41.6580900, -90.5845800 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
End: East University Avenue (-93.609114, 41.600425)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 270 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.36 | $44.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.22 | $50.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.60 | $55.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.45 | $62.91 |
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.