How far is Monroe, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Monroe, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 28.5 miles (45.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.8 miles (43.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
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 34m.
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.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Monroe and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monroe and Des Moines.
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1
Start on North Monroe Street
22 m · 7 sec · North Monroe Street
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2
Turn left onto Washington Street
1222 ft · 54 sec · Washington Street
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3
Turn right onto State Highway 163
2 mi · 3 min · State Highway 163
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4
Take the ramp right
1750 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight right
26 mi · 35 min
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6
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Monroe 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.
State Highway 163
Merge slight right
26 mi · 00h 35m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Monroe and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then 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 Monroe to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 28.5 miles (45.9 km) and usually takes 00h 34m 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?
Mitchellville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 14.2 miles from Monroe and 14.3 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.8 miles (43.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.7 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.81 one way or $7.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Monroe and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Mitchellville
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 Mitchellville.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Monroe and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 26.77 mi (43.09 km).
#1 Monroe
City in Jasper County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,905 |
| Coordinates | 41.5222100, -93.1018700 |
| Altitude | 282 |
| 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: 46 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.81 | $7.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.30 | $8.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.70 | $9.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.36 | $10.71 |
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.