How far is Indiana, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Indiana, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 49.6 miles (79.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 40.8 miles (65.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 54m 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 00h 57m.
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 Marion County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Indiana and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Indiana and Des Moines.
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1
Start on County Highway G76
1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76
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2
Continue on County Highway G76
959 ft · 26 sec · County Highway G76
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3
Turn sharp left
6.1 mi · 9 min
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4
Take the ramp left
10.9 mi · 12 min
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5
Turn right
575 ft · 7 sec
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6
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 23 min · State Highway 5
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7
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
1.5 mi · 2 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 69 North: Des Moines
2559 ft · 1 min
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9
Turn straight onto Southridge Boulevard
1.4 mi · 2 min · Southridge Boulevard
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10
Continue on Southeast 14th Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · Southeast 14th Street
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11
Turn slight left onto Indianola Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Indianola Avenue
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12
Turn right onto Southeast 6th Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · Southeast 6th Street
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13
Continue on East 6th Street
1433 ft · 37 sec · East 6th Street
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14
Turn right onto East Locust Street
150 m · 15 sec · East Locust Street
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15
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Pennsylvania Avenue
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16
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Indiana 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 5
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 00h 23m
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 Indiana 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 Indiana to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 49.6 miles (79.9 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
Pleasantville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.9 miles from Indiana and 25.8 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 40.8 miles (65.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.8 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 4:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.60 one way or $13.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Indiana and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Pleasantville
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 Pleasantville.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Indiana and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 40.8 mi (65.66 km).
#1 Indiana
A city located in the state of Iowa.
| Population | 820,445 |
| Coordinates | 41.2044400, -93.0252000 |
| Altitude | 281 |
| 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: 80 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.60 | $13.20 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.44 | $14.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.14 | $16.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.28 | $18.56 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.