How far is Independence, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Independence, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 134.5 miles (216.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.7 miles (171.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 36m 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 18m.
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 Grundy County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Independence and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Independence and Des Moines.
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1
Start on 5th Avenue Southeast
13 m · 9 sec · 5th Avenue Southeast
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2
Turn left onto 1st Street East
647 ft · 18 sec · 1st Street East
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3
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue Southeast
1.3 mi · 2 min · 3rd Avenue Southeast
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4
Take the ramp right
2002 ft · 49 sec
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5
Merge slight left
21.2 mi · 24 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
23.5 mi · 27 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IA 14: Parkersburg, Grundy Center
2083 ft · 59 sec
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8
Turn left onto N Avenue
4.5 mi · 6 min · N Avenue
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9
Turn right onto 210th Street
1.6 km · 1 min · 210th Street
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10
Turn sharp left onto County Road T37
1 mi · 1 min · County Road T37
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11
Continue on M Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · M Avenue
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12
Turn right onto 240th Street
6.3 mi · 9 min · 240th Street
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13
Turn left onto Sanford Avenue
15.9 mi · 22 min · Sanford Avenue
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14
Turn right onto 160th Street
4.3 mi · 6 min · 160th Street
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15
Keep slight left to continue on North Main Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
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16
Continue on Marsh Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Marsh Avenue
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17
Turn right
35.9 mi · 43 min
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18
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines
4.5 mi · 6 min
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19
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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20
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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21
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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22
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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23
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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24
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Independence 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.
Longest stretch
Turn right
35.9 mi · 00h 43m
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 Rain Showers leaving Independence and Sunny near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Independence to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 134.5 miles (216.5 km) and usually takes 02h 18m 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?
Conrad is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.2 miles from Independence and 67.4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 106.7 miles (171.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.8 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 1:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.91 one way or $35.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Independence and Sunny near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Independence and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 106.7 mi (171.72 km).
#1 Independence
City in Iowa
| Population | 6,203 |
| Coordinates | 42.4686000, -91.8893400 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| 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: 217 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.91 | $35.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.20 | $40.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.11 | $44.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.19 | $50.39 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.