How far is Madrid, IA from Des Moines, IA?
Fastest route
The distance from Madrid, Iowa 50156 to Des Moines, Iowa is approximately 30.2 miles (48.6 kilometers). The fastest route, considering traffic conditions, is via IA-17 S. Here are some tips and suggestions for your journey:
Directions
- 🚗 Head south on IA-17 S/N Kennedy Ave toward E 1st St.
- 🛣️ Use the right 2 lanes to take the Interstate 35 S/I-80 W ramp.
- 🔄 Keep left at the fork to continue on I-35 S.
- 🚗 Take exit 72A to merge onto I-235 E toward W Des Moines/Des Moines.
- 🚧 Take exit 8A toward Mercy/Downtown/Des Moines/Iowa Events Ctr.
- 🚗 Keep right and follow the signs for 7th St/6th Ave/5th Ave.
- 🚦 Follow 7th St to Locust St and use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Locust St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 💡 Make sure to check real-time traffic updates to adjust your route if necessary.
- 💡 Keep an eye out for road signs indicating the directions to Des Moines.
- 💡 Maintain a safe and appropriate speed while driving on the highways.
- 💡 Plan your journey with restroom and refreshment stops along the way.
- 💡 Have your navigation system or maps app ready for easy guidance.
- 💡 Stay alert and follow the traffic rules and regulations.
- 💡 Keep some change or a card ready for any tolls that might be encountered on the route.
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 36m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
American city in Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Madrid and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Madrid and Des Moines.
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1
Start on East 1st Street
2068 ft · 39 sec · East 1st Street
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2
Turn right onto South Kennedy Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · South Kennedy Avenue
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3
Continue on State Highway 17
1284 ft · 21 sec · State Highway 17
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4
Continue on Y Avenue
1.6 km · 1 min · Y Avenue
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5
Turn left onto Northwest Madrid Drive
6.5 mi · 9 min · Northwest Madrid Drive
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6
Continue on North Broadway Street
1.7 mi · 4 min · North Broadway Street
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7
Turn right onto South 3rd Street
3016 ft · 1 min · South 3rd Street
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8
Continue on Northwest Polk City Drive
4.3 mi · 6 min · Northwest Polk City Drive
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9
Continue on Northwest 35th Street
1.6 mi · 2 min · Northwest 35th Street
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10
Continue on Northwest 78th Avenue
2614 ft · 45 sec · Northwest 78th Avenue
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11
Continue on Southwest Oralabor Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · Southwest Oralabor Road
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12
Turn right onto Southwest State Street
1 mi · 1 min · Southwest State Street
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13
Continue on Northwest 2nd Street
3.6 mi · 6 min · Northwest 2nd Street
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14
Continue on 2nd Avenue
2.5 mi · 5 min · 2nd Avenue
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15
Turn left onto University Avenue
3040 ft · 1 min · University Avenue
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16
Continue on East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Madrid 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.
Northwest Madrid Drive
Turn left onto Northwest Madrid Drive
6.52 mi · 00h 09m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Madrid and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Madrid to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 34 miles (54.7 km) and usually takes 00h 36m 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?
Polk City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.3 miles from Madrid and 20.7 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 22.1 miles (35.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.9 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 7:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.53 one way or $9.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Madrid and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Polk City
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 Polk City.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Madrid and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 22.04 mi (35.47 km).
#1 Madrid
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,550 |
| Coordinates | 41.8766500, -93.8232800 |
| Altitude | 310 |
| 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: 55 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.53 | $9.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.10 | $10.21 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.58 | $11.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.36 | $12.73 |
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.