How far is Manly, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Manly, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 130.1 miles (209.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 118.4 miles (190.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 02m 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 01m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Manly and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Manly and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on the route
80 m · 22 sec
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2
Turn right onto North Broadway Street
1206 ft · 55 sec · North Broadway Street
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3
Turn right onto East South Street
2720 ft · 1 min · East South Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 9
7.1 mi · 10 min · State Highway 9
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5
Take the ramp left
1988 ft · 49 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
115.8 mi · 2 hr 5 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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8
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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11
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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12
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Manly 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
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
116 mi · 02h 05m
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.
Patchy Fog then Sunny leaving Manly 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 Manly to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 130.1 miles (209.4 km) and usually takes 02h 01m 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?
Williams is a useful midpoint, sitting about 65 miles from Manly and 65.1 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 118.4 miles (190.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.7 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 2:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.31 one way or $34.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Fog then Sunny around Manly and Sunny near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Manly and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 118.36 mi (190.49 km).
#1 Manly
American city in Iowa
| Population | 1,271 |
| Coordinates | 43.2871800, -93.2021500 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| 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: 209 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.31 | $34.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.52 | $39.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.36 | $42.72 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.35 | $48.69 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.