How far is Greenfield, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Greenfield, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 59.6 miles (95.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.6 miles (78.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 00m 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 00m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Greenfield and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Greenfield and Des Moines.
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1
Start on Public Square
96 m · 18 sec · Public Square
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2
Turn right onto South 1st Street
546 ft · 29 sec · South 1st Street
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3
Turn left onto Southeast Kent Street
2114 ft · 38 sec · Southeast Kent Street
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4
Turn left onto Southeast 6th Street
1.5 km · 1 min · Southeast 6th Street
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5
Continue on State Highway 25
12.3 mi · 17 min · State Highway 25
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6
Take the ramp right
1768 ft · 43 sec
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7
Merge slight left
36 mi · 39 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
8.9 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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11
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Greenfield 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.
State Highway 25
Merge slight left
36 mi · 00h 39m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Greenfield 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 Greenfield to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 59.6 miles (95.9 km) and usually takes 01h 00m 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?
Earlham is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.9 miles from Greenfield and 29.7 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.6 miles (78.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 11 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 4:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.92 one way or $15.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Greenfield and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Earlham
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 Earlham.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Greenfield and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 48.62 mi (78.25 km).
#1 Greenfield
City in Iowa, United States; county seat of Adair County
| Population | 1,812 |
| Coordinates | 41.3052700, -94.4613500 |
| Altitude | 418 |
| 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: 96 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.92 | $15.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.93 | $17.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.77 | $19.55 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.14 | $22.28 |
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.