How far is Mount Ayr, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Mount Ayr, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 90.5 miles (145.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 69.3 miles (111.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 58m 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 01h 29m.
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 Clarke County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mount Ayr and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mount Ayr and Des Moines.
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1
Start on East Madison Street
581 ft · 28 sec · East Madison Street
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2
Turn right onto South Hayes Street
1352 ft · 1 min · South Hayes Street
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3
Turn left onto East South Street
2642 ft · 45 sec · East South Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 2
20.6 mi · 30 min · State Highway 2
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5
Take the ramp left
1576 ft · 38 sec
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6
Merge slight left
59 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 235 East: Des Moines
1.2 km · 2 min · Ramp 72 D
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8
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
8 mi · 10 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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11
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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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 Mount Ayr 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.
State Highway 2
Merge slight left
59 mi · 01h 04m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Mount Ayr and Mostly Sunny near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mount Ayr to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 90.5 miles (145.7 km) and usually takes 01h 29m 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?
Osceola is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45.2 miles from Mount Ayr and 45.3 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 69.3 miles (111.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.2 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 3:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.03 one way or $24.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Mount Ayr and Mostly Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Osceola
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 Osceola.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mount Ayr and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 69.33 mi (111.58 km).
#1 Mount Ayr
City in Ringgold County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,601 |
| Coordinates | 40.7147100, -94.2352300 |
| Altitude | 372 |
| 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: 146 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.03 | $24.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.57 | $27.13 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.85 | $29.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.92 | $33.84 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.