How far is Hudson, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Hudson, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 100.2 miles (161.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 81.3 miles (130.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 35m 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 47m.
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 Marshal County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Hudson and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hudson and Des Moines.
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1
Start on North Jefferson Street
16 m · 5 sec · North Jefferson Street
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2
Turn left onto 5th Street
26 m · 5 sec · 5th Street
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3
Turn right onto Eldora Road
1432 ft · 59 sec · Eldora Road
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4
Turn left onto South Hudson Road
3262 ft · 1 min · South Hudson Road
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5
Turn right onto Sergeant Road
2203 ft · 41 sec · Sergeant Road
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6
Continue on South Hudson Road
6.4 mi · 9 min · South Hudson Road
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7
Continue on Q Avenue
2.5 mi · 3 min · Q Avenue
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8
Continue on County Road D65
4.4 mi · 6 min · County Road D65
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9
Continue on North Main Street
7.6 mi · 12 min · North Main Street
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10
Turn left onto J Avenue
11.8 mi · 17 min · J Avenue
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11
Continue on North County Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · North County Road
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12
Take the ramp right
2073 ft · 51 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
22.3 mi · 26 min · Lincoln Highway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
1818 ft · 46 sec
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15
Turn left onto Marshalltown Boulevard
33.7 mi · 40 min · Marshalltown Boulevard
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16
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.1 km · 58 sec · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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17
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines
4.5 mi · 6 min
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18
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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19
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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20
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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21
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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22
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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23
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Hudson and Des Moines.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Marshalltown Boulevard
Turn left onto Marshalltown Boulevard
33.7 mi · 00h 40m
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 Hudson and Mostly Sunny near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Hudson to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 100.2 miles (161.3 km) and usually takes 01h 47m 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?
Marshalltown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 51.4 miles from Hudson and 48.9 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 81.3 miles (130.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.9 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 2:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.35 one way or $26.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Hudson and Mostly Sunny near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Hudson and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 81.31 mi (130.85 km).
#1 Hudson
City in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,473 |
| Coordinates | 42.4066500, -92.4554700 |
| Altitude | 275 |
| 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: 161 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.35 | $26.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.06 | $30.11 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.48 | $32.95 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.78 | $37.55 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.