How far is Hamburg, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Hamburg, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 176.5 miles (284 km), with a travel time of about 02h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.9 miles (204.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 27m 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 43m.
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Hamburg and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hamburg and Des Moines.
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1
Start on Main Street
1725 ft · 51 sec · Main Street
-
2
Turn right onto North Street
1198 ft · 28 sec · North Street
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3
Continue on State Highway 333
3276 ft · 56 sec · State Highway 333
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4
Take the ramp right
1884 ft · 46 sec
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5
Merge slight left
46.4 mi · 50 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East: Des Moines
1.1 km · 46 sec
-
7
Continue straight
118.2 mi · 2 hr 7 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
-
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 Hamburg 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.
I 80 East
Continue straight
118 mi · 02h 07m
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 Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Hamburg and Sunny then 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 Hamburg to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 176.5 miles (284 km) and usually takes 02h 43m 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?
Walnut is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.1 miles from Hamburg and 88.3 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.9 miles (204.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 49.6 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 1:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.49 one way or $46.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Hamburg and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Walnut
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 Walnut.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Hamburg and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 126.93 mi (204.28 km).
#1 Hamburg
City in Fremont County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,041 |
| Coordinates | 40.6044500, -95.6577700 |
| Altitude | 280 |
| 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: 284 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.49 | $46.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.50 | $52.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.99 | $57.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.04 | $66.09 |
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 · May 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.