How far is Emmetsburg, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Emmetsburg, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 163.4 miles (263 km), with a travel time of about 02h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 118 miles (189.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 18m 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 39m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, in the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Emmetsburg and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Emmetsburg and Des Moines.
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1
Start on 8th Street
27 m · 8 sec · 8th Street
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2
Turn right onto Lawler Street
101 m · 14 sec · Lawler Street
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3
Turn left onto Main Street
1026 ft · 39 sec · Main Street
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4
Turn right onto Broadway Street
1.6 km · 2 min · Broadway Street
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5
Continue on 460th Avenue
13 mi · 18 min · 460th Avenue
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6
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.1 mi · 15 min · 220th Avenue
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7
Continue on Northwest 7th Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 7th Street
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8
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · 220th Avenue
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9
Continue on Marengo Avenue
2317 ft · 39 sec · Marengo Avenue
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10
Continue on North East Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North East Street
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11
Continue on Marengo Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Marengo Avenue
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Marshall Avenue
2.3 mi · 3 min · Marshall Avenue
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13
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
1749 ft · 48 sec
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14
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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16
Merge slight left
54.5 mi · 59 min
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17
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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18
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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19
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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20
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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21
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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22
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Emmetsburg and Des Moines.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 01h 04m
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 then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Emmetsburg and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Emmetsburg to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 163.4 miles (263 km) and usually takes 02h 39m 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?
Duncombe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.6 miles from Emmetsburg and 81.8 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 118 miles (189.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.4 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 1:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.76 one way or $43.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Emmetsburg and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Emmetsburg and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 117.99 mi (189.89 km).
#1 Emmetsburg
City in Palo Alto County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,667 |
| Coordinates | 43.1127400, -94.6830400 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| 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: 263 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.76 | $43.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.54 | $49.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.85 | $53.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.60 | $61.21 |
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.