How far is Fort Madison, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Fort Madison, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 174.6 miles (281 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 137 miles (220.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 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 02h 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.
City in Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Madison and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Madison and Des Moines.
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1
Start on the route
19 m · 7 sec
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2
Turn right onto Avenue I
42 m · 11 sec · Avenue I
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3
Turn left onto Avenue H
1.5 km · 2 min · Avenue H
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4
Turn left onto 20th Street
1078 ft · 22 sec · 20th Street
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5
At the end of the road, turn right onto Avenue L
1.3 mi · 2 min · Avenue L
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6
Continue on Old Highway 61
1602 ft · 27 sec · Old Highway 61
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7
Continue on Avenue O
2.1 mi · 3 min · Avenue O
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8
Turn straight
8.3 mi · 11 min
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9
Take the ramp right
2184 ft · 53 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
24.5 mi · 28 min · Avenue of the Saints
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11
Keep slight right
61.1 mi · 1 hr 11 min
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12
Continue straight
75.3 mi · 1 hr 32 min
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Madison 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.
Avenue of the Saints
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.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 174.6 miles (281 km) and usually takes 02h 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?
Ottumwa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.2 miles from Fort Madison and 87.4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 137 miles (220.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 37.6 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 12:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.23 one way or $46.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Fort Madison and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Ottumwa
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 Ottumwa.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Fort Madison station
La Plata
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Madison and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 136.95 mi (220.4 km).
#1 Fort Madison
City and county seat in Lee County, Iowa
| Population | 10,263 |
| Coordinates | 40.6297600, -91.3151500 |
| Altitude | 161 |
| 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: 281 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.23 | $46.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.20 | $52.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.67 | $57.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.67 | $65.35 |
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.