How far is Fairfield, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Fairfield, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 111.3 miles (179.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 94.8 miles (152.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 46m 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 53m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fairfield and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on East Briggs Avenue
662 ft · 34 sec · East Briggs Avenue
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2
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
717 ft · 18 sec · North 2nd Street
-
3
Turn right onto West Burlington Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · West Burlington Avenue
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4
Continue on Old US 34
1.6 km · 2 min · Old US 34
-
5
Take the ramp right toward US 34, IA 163 West: Ottumwa
2240 ft · 55 sec
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6
Merge slight left
32.5 mi · 38 min
-
7
Continue straight
75.3 mi · 1 hr 32 min
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairfield 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 34
Continue straight
75.3 mi · 01h 32m
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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 111.3 miles (179.2 km) and usually takes 01h 53m 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 55.6 miles from Fairfield and 55.7 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 94.8 miles (152.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.5 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 2:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.82 one way or $29.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fairfield and Sunny near Des Moines.
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 Fairfield and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 94.73 mi (152.46 km).
#1 Fairfield
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,500 |
| Coordinates | 41.0086300, -91.9626700 |
| 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: 179 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 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 | $14.82 | $29.64 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.71 | $33.43 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.29 | $36.58 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.84 | $41.69 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.