How far is Iowa City, IA from Des Moines, IA?
Fastest route
The distance between Iowa City, Iowa, and Des Moines, Iowa, is approximately 115 miles (185 kilometers). The fastest route is via I-80 W, and the estimated travel time is about 1 hour and 43 minutes. Below are the directions to reach your destination.
Directions
- 🚗 Head north on S Clinton St toward E Burlington St.
- 🛣️ Turn right onto E Jefferson St.
- 🚦 Turn left at the 1st cross street onto N Dubuque St.
- 🛣️ Use the left 2 lanes to turn left and merge onto I-80 W toward Des Moines.
- 🛣️ Follow I-80 W until you reach Day St in Des Moines.
- 🛣️ Take exit 8A from I-235 W.
- 🛣️ Use the left lane to take exit 137A and merge onto I-235 W toward Des Moines.
- 🛣️ Use the 2nd lane from the right to take exit 8A toward Mercy/Downtown/Des Moines/Iowa Events Ctr.
- 🛣️ Use the left lane and follow signs for 5th Ave/Iowa Events Ctr/6th Ave/7th St.
- 🛣️ Take 7th St to Locust St.
- 🚦 Slight left to stay on Day St.
- 🚦 Use any lane to turn left onto 7th St.
- 🚦 Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Locust St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🛣️ Follow the directions carefully to stay on the fastest route.
- ⛽ Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey.
- 🚗 Consider checking for traffic updates before starting the trip.
- 📱 Use navigation apps for real-time guidance and traffic information.
- 🥤 Carry snacks and water to stay refreshed during the drive.
FAQs
Q: What is the total distance between Iowa City and Des Moines? A: The total distance is approximately 115 miles (185 kilometers).
Q: How long will it take to travel from Iowa City to Des Moines? A: The estimated travel time is about 1 hour and 43 minutes.
Q: Which route should I take to get from Iowa City to Des Moines? A: The fastest route is via I-80 W.
Q: Are there any specific exits I need to take during the journey? A: Yes, you should take exit 8A from I-235 W in Des Moines.
Q: What are some tips for a smooth road trip between the two cities? A: Make sure to follow the directions carefully, keep an eye on traffic updates, and consider using navigation apps for guidance.
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 46m.
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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
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 Iowa City and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on South Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · South Gilbert Street
-
2
Turn slight left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 22 sec · Kimball Road
-
3
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
-
4
Turn left
2315 ft · 59 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
105.8 mi · 1 hr 54 min
-
6
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
-
7
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
-
9
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
-
10
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
-
11
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City 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.
North Dubuque Street
Merge slight left
106 mi · 01h 54m
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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 113.8 miles (183.2 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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?
Malcom is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56.9 miles from Iowa City and 57 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 107.4 miles (172.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.4 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 2:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.16 one way or $30.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Iowa City and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Malcom
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 Malcom.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 107.44 mi (172.91 km).
#1 Iowa City
The most populous city in Johnson County, Iowa.
| Population | 75,130 |
| Coordinates | 41.6611300, -91.5301700 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| 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: 183 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.16 | $30.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.10 | $34.19 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.71 | $37.42 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.32 | $42.64 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.