How far is Kalona, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Kalona, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 118.1 miles (190.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 98.7 miles (158.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 57m 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 01h 58m.
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kalona and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kalona and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on B Avenue
11 m · 4 sec · B Avenue
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2
Turn right onto 5th Street
1014 ft · 50 sec · 5th Street
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3
Turn left onto East Avenue
2076 ft · 35 sec · East Avenue
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4
Turn right onto 1st Street
1.1 km · 1 min · 1st Street
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5
Continue on State Highway 1
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 1
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6
Continue on Highway 1 Southwest
4 mi · 6 min · Highway 1 Southwest
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7
Turn left onto 500th Street Southwest
1.8 mi · 3 min · 500th Street Southwest
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8
Turn right onto Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest
2.8 mi · 5 min · Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto Black Diamond Road Southwest
3.3 mi · 6 min · Black Diamond Road Southwest
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10
Turn right onto Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
2.8 mi · 5 min · Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
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11
Keep slight left to continue on Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
3.1 mi · 5 min · Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
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12
Continue on Black Hawk Avenue Northwest
154 m · 17 sec · Black Hawk Avenue Northwest
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13
Take the ramp left
1952 ft · 47 sec
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14
Merge slight left
92.1 mi · 1 hr 39 min
-
15
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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16
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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17
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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18
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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19
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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20
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kalona 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.
Black Hawk Avenue Northwest
Merge slight left
92.1 mi · 01h 39m
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Sunny leaving Kalona and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kalona to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 118.1 miles (190.1 km) and usually takes 01h 58m 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 59 miles from Kalona and 59.2 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 98.7 miles (158.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.4 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 2:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.73 one way or $31.45 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around Kalona and Chance Rain Showers 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 Kalona and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 98.75 mi (158.92 km).
#1 Kalona
Town in the U.
| Population | 2,560 |
| Coordinates | 41.4830700, -91.7060000 |
| Altitude | 201 |
| 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: 190 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.73 | $31.45 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.74 | $35.47 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.41 | $38.81 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.12 | $44.24 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.