How far is Le Claire, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Le Claire, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 175.5 miles (282.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 168.7 miles (271.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 29m 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 02h 44m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Le Claire and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Le Claire and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on Jones Street
14 m · 9 sec · Jones Street
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2
Turn left onto North Cody Road
1.6 mi · 4 min · North Cody Road
-
3
Take the ramp right
2455 ft · 60 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
168.1 mi · 3 hr 3 min
-
5
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
-
6
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
-
8
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
-
9
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
-
10
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Le Claire 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 Cody Road
Merge slight left
168 mi · 03h 03m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Le Claire 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 Le Claire to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 175.5 miles (282.4 km) and usually takes 02h 44m 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?
Williamsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.6 miles from Le Claire and 87.8 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 168.7 miles (271.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.8 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 1:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.34 one way or $46.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers around Le Claire and Partly Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Le Claire and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 168.72 mi (271.53 km).
#1 Le Claire
City in Scott County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 3,955 |
| Coordinates | 41.5986400, -90.3434600 |
| Altitude | 180 |
| 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: 282 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.34 | $46.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.33 | $52.65 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.81 | $57.62 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.83 | $65.66 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.