How far is Ida Grove, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Ida Grove, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 139.5 miles (224.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 108.6 miles (174.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 03m 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 31m.
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.
Human settlement in Cass County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ida Grove and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ida Grove and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on 2nd Street
34 m · 8 sec · 2nd Street
-
2
Turn left onto Main Street
80 m · 5 sec · Main Street
-
3
Continue on Moorehead Avenue
1888 ft · 42 sec · Moorehead Avenue
-
4
Turn right
2 mi · 3 min
-
5
Turn right onto Landmark Avenue
23.4 mi · 32 min · Landmark Avenue
-
6
Continue on 260th Street
36.6 mi · 51 min · 260th Street
-
7
Continue on Avoca Lane
671 ft · 19 sec · Avoca Lane
-
8
Take the ramp slight right
1377 ft · 34 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 1 hr 28 min
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
8.9 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
-
12
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
-
13
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ida Grove 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.
Avoca Lane
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 01h 28m
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 leaving Ida Grove and 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 Ida Grove to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 139.5 miles (224.5 km) and usually takes 02h 31m 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?
Marne is a useful midpoint, sitting about 77.2 miles from Ida Grove and 62.3 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 108.6 miles (174.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.9 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 1:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.55 one way or $37.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ida Grove and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Marne
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 Marne.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ida Grove and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 108.62 mi (174.81 km).
#1 Ida Grove
City in Ida County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,037 |
| Coordinates | 42.3449900, -95.4716700 |
| Altitude | 376 |
| 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: 225 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.55 | $37.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.92 | $41.85 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.90 | $45.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.10 | $52.19 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.