How far is Leon, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Leon, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 70.7 miles (113.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 59.9 miles (96.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 20m 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 10m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Leon and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Leon and Des Moines.
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1
Start on Northwest Church Street
9.4 mi · 13 min · Northwest Church Street
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2
Turn left onto 120th Street
1.6 km · 2 min · 120th Street
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3
Continue on Line Street
1.2 km · 1 min · Line Street
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4
Take the ramp right toward Webb
1522 ft · 37 sec
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5
Merge slight left
49.6 mi · 54 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 235 East: Des Moines
1.2 km · 2 min · Ramp 72 D
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7
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
8 mi · 10 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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9
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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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 Leon and Des Moines.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Webb
Merge slight left
49.6 mi · 00h 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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny leaving Leon 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 Leon to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 70.7 miles (113.8 km) and usually takes 01h 10m 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?
Truro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 35.3 miles from Leon and 35.4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 59.9 miles (96.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.8 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 4:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.43 one way or $18.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around Leon and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Truro
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 Truro.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Leon and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 59.91 mi (96.42 km).
#1 Leon
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,808 |
| Coordinates | 40.7397200, -93.7477200 |
| Altitude | 343 |
| 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: 114 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.43 | $18.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.63 | $21.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.64 | $23.27 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.26 | $26.52 |
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.