How far is Forest City, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Forest City, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 122.9 miles (197.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 114.8 miles (184.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 06m 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 03m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Forest City and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Forest City and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on South 4th Street
109 m · 18 sec · South 4th Street
-
2
Turn right onto East J Street
1114 ft · 28 sec · East J Street
-
3
Turn right
11 mi · 15 min
-
4
Turn left onto US Highway 18
1.1 mi · 2 min · US Highway 18
-
5
Turn right onto Sage Avenue
26.7 mi · 37 min · Sage Avenue
-
6
Turn left
15 mi · 21 min
-
7
Turn left onto 190th Street
3.4 mi · 6 min · 190th Street
-
8
Take the ramp right toward Somerset Road
2433 ft · 59 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
59 mi · 1 hr 4 min
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
-
11
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
-
13
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
-
14
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
-
15
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Forest City 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.
Somerset Road
Merge slight left
59 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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Forest City 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 Forest City to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 122.9 miles (197.8 km) and usually takes 02h 03m 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?
Williams is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.5 miles from Forest City and 61.5 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 114.8 miles (184.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.1 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 2:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.37 one way or $32.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Forest City and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Forest City and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 114.84 mi (184.81 km).
#1 Forest City
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 4,025 |
| Coordinates | 43.2624600, -93.6371600 |
| Altitude | 383 |
| 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: 198 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.37 | $32.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.46 | $36.92 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.20 | $40.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.02 | $46.04 |
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.