How far is Keokuk, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Keokuk, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 181.8 miles (292.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.7 miles (229.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 02m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 01m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Wapello 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 Keokuk and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Keokuk and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on Main Street
3.5 mi · 6 min · Main Street
-
2
Continue straight
5.6 mi · 7 min
-
3
Turn left
9.2 mi · 14 min
-
4
Take the ramp right
2350 ft · 57 sec
-
5
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
26.5 mi · 31 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
6
Keep slight right
61.1 mi · 1 hr 11 min
-
7
Continue straight
75.3 mi · 1 hr 32 min
-
8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Keokuk 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.
Avenue of the Saints
Continue straight
75.3 mi · 01h 32m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Keokuk 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 Keokuk to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 181.8 miles (292.6 km) and usually takes 03h 01m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Agency is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.8 miles from Keokuk and 91 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.7 miles (229.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:58 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.17 one way or $48.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Keokuk and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Agency
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 Agency.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Fort Madison station
Burlington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Keokuk and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 142.7 mi (229.65 km).
#1 Keokuk
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 10,090 |
| Coordinates | 40.3972700, -91.3848700 |
| Altitude | 174 |
| 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: 293 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.17 | $48.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.26 | $54.52 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.83 | $59.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.00 | $68.00 |
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.