How far is Marcus, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Marcus, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 194.7 miles (313.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 140.8 miles (226.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 21m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 10m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Human settlement in Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Marcus and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Marcus and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on North Main Street
21 m · 8 sec · North Main Street
-
2
Turn left onto East Cedar Street
2229 ft · 2 min · East Cedar Street
-
3
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Ames Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · North Ames Avenue
-
4
Turn left onto 490th Street
5 mi · 7 min · 490th Street
-
5
Continue on State Highway 3
4.2 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
-
6
Continue on 500th Street
2.5 mi · 3 min · 500th Street
-
7
Turn straight onto State Highway 3
4.4 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
-
8
Turn left onto 530th Street
3.4 mi · 5 min · 530th Street
-
9
Turn right onto V Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
-
10
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
-
11
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
-
12
Continue on Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
-
13
Turn right onto 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
-
14
Continue on Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
-
15
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
92.4 mi · 1 hr 47 min · 220th Street
-
16
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
-
17
Merge slight left
54.5 mi · 59 min
-
18
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
-
19
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
20
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
-
21
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
-
22
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
-
23
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
-
24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Marcus 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.
220th Street
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
92.4 mi · 01h 47m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Marcus and 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 Marcus to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 194.7 miles (313.4 km) and usually takes 03h 10m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Moorland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98 miles from Marcus and 96.7 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 140.8 miles (226.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 53.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:38 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.91 one way or $51.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Marcus and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Marcus and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 140.79 mi (226.58 km).
#1 Marcus
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,055 |
| Coordinates | 42.8258200, -95.8075100 |
| Altitude | 445 |
| 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: 313 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.91 | $51.81 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.22 | $58.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.97 | $63.95 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.44 | $72.88 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.