How far is Mediapolis, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Mediapolis, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 157.2 miles (253 km), with a travel time of about 02h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.3 miles (214.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 17m 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 38m.
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 Wapello County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mediapolis and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mediapolis and Des Moines.
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1
Start on North Orchard Street
22 m · 5 sec · North Orchard Street
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2
Turn right onto Main Street
1946 ft · 39 sec · Main Street
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3
Turn straight onto Mediapolis Road
10.6 mi · 19 min · Mediapolis Road
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4
Continue on 210th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
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5
Turn left onto Racine Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Racine Avenue
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6
Turn right onto 220th Street
7.4 mi · 13 min · 220th Street
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7
Continue on Winfield Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Winfield Avenue
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8
Turn right onto Old US Highway 218
1.1 km · 1 min · Old US Highway 218
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9
Take the exit left
2249 ft · 55 sec
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10
Merge slight left
59.7 mi · 1 hr 9 min
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11
Continue straight
75.3 mi · 1 hr 32 min
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mediapolis 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.
Old US Highway 218
Continue straight
75.3 mi · 01h 32m
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 Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Mediapolis and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mediapolis to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 157.2 miles (253 km) and usually takes 02h 38m 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?
Chillicothe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.5 miles from Mediapolis and 78.7 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.3 miles (214.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.93 one way or $41.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Mediapolis and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Chillicothe
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 Chillicothe.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Osceola
Fort Madison station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mediapolis and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 133.34 mi (214.59 km).
#1 Mediapolis
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,514 |
| Coordinates | 41.0080900, -91.1640400 |
| Altitude | 235 |
| 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: 253 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.93 | $41.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.60 | $47.21 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.83 | $51.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.44 | $58.87 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.