How far is Johnston, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Johnston, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 12.9 miles (20.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 6.8 miles (10.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 32m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 16m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Polk County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Johnston and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Johnston and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on Merle Hay Road
1.5 mi · 3 min · Merle Hay Road
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2
Turn left onto I-35 north, I-80 east
1746 ft · 43 sec
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3
Merge slight left
3.3 mi · 4 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward IA 415: Polk City
1915 ft · 50 sec
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5
Turn right onto Northwest 2nd Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Northwest 2nd Street
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6
Continue on 2nd Avenue
2.5 mi · 5 min · 2nd Avenue
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7
Turn left onto University Avenue
3040 ft · 1 min · University Avenue
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8
Continue on East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Johnston and Des Moines.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I-35 north
Merge slight left
3.34 mi · 00h 04m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Partly Sunny leaving Johnston and Partly Sunny near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Johnston to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 12.9 miles (20.8 km) and usually takes 00h 16m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Saylorville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 4.7 miles from Johnston and 8.2 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 6.8 miles (10.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.73 one way or $3.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Johnston and Partly Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Saylorville
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 Saylorville.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Johnston and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 6.79 mi (10.92 km).
#1 Johnston
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 23,092 |
| Coordinates | 41.6730400, -93.6977200 |
| Altitude | 253 |
| 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: 21 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $1.73 | $3.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $1.96 | $3.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $2.14 | $4.28 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $2.44 | $4.88 |
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 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.