How far is Maquoketa, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Maquoketa, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 197.5 miles (317.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 154.9 miles (249.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 56m 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 58m.
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 Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Maquoketa and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Maquoketa and Des Moines.
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1
Start on South Main Street
1 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
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2
Continue on 200th Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · 200th Avenue
-
3
Take the ramp left toward US 61: Davenport
2168 ft · 53 sec
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4
Merge slight left
32.1 mi · 37 min
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5
Take the exit slight right
69.9 mi · 1 hr 17 min
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6
Continue straight
87.9 mi · 1 hr 35 min
-
7
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 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 Maquoketa and Des Moines.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 61
Continue straight
87.9 mi · 01h 35m
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 Cloudy leaving Maquoketa 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 Maquoketa to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 197.5 miles (317.8 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Oxford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98.6 miles from Maquoketa and 98.9 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 154.9 miles (249.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.6 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 12:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.28 one way or $52.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Maquoketa and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Oxford
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 Oxford.
Mount Pleasant
Ottumwa station
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Maquoketa and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 154.93 mi (249.34 km).
#1 Maquoketa
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 5,924 |
| Coordinates | 42.0689100, -90.6656900 |
| Altitude | 214 |
| 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: 318 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.28 | $52.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.64 | $59.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.44 | $64.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.97 | $73.94 |
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 · May 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.