How far is Fairfax, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Fairfax, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 113.8 miles (183.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 96.7 miles (155.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 44m 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 01h 52m.
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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fairfax and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfax and Des Moines.
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1
Start on Vanderbilt Street
135 m · 22 sec · Vanderbilt Street
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2
Turn right onto Church Street
765 ft · 39 sec · Church Street
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3
Turn left onto Williams Boulevard
1455 ft · 28 sec · Williams Boulevard
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4
Continue on Amana Road Southwest
3.4 mi · 5 min · Amana Road Southwest
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5
Continue on Co Trunk Rd E68
2273 ft · 43 sec · Co Trunk Rd E68
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6
Continue on 1st Avenue
738 ft · 13 sec · 1st Avenue
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7
Continue on 79th Street
2.4 mi · 3 min · 79th Street
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8
Continue on W Avenue
9 mi · 13 min · W Avenue
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9
Turn left onto U Avenue
5.5 mi · 8 min · U Avenue
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10
Take the ramp right
2022 ft · 49 sec
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11
Merge slight left
86.6 mi · 1 hr 33 min
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12
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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13
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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15
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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16
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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17
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairfax and Des Moines.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
U Avenue
Merge slight left
86.6 mi · 01h 33m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Fairfax and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fairfax to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 113.8 miles (183.2 km) and usually takes 01h 52m 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?
Malcom is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56.9 miles from Fairfax and 57 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 96.7 miles (155.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.1 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 2:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.16 one way or $30.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Fairfax and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Malcom
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 Malcom.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fairfax and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 96.76 mi (155.72 km).
#1 Fairfax
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,934 |
| Coordinates | 41.9194500, -91.7810100 |
| Altitude | 236 |
| 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: 183 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.16 | $30.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.10 | $34.19 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.71 | $37.42 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.32 | $42.64 |
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.