How far is Mount Pleasant, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Mount Pleasant, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 134.3 miles (216.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115.2 miles (185.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 23m 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 11m.
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.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mount Pleasant and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mount Pleasant and Des Moines.
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1
Start on South White Street
826 ft · 42 sec · South White Street
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2
Turn left onto West Washington Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · West Washington Street
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3
Continue on 235th Street
2.4 mi · 3 min · 235th Street
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4
Take the ramp straight toward US 34, IA 163 West: Fairfield, Ottumwa
1.1 km · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left
54.5 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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6
Continue straight
75.3 mi · 1 hr 32 min
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mount Pleasant 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 34
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.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Mount Pleasant and Slight 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 Mount Pleasant to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 134.3 miles (216.2 km) and usually takes 02h 11m 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?
Eddyville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.1 miles from Mount Pleasant and 67.2 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115.2 miles (185.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.1 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 2:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.87 one way or $35.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms around Mount Pleasant and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Eddyville
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 Eddyville.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mount Pleasant and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 115.23 mi (185.44 km).
#1 Mount Pleasant
City in Henry County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 8,508 |
| Coordinates | 40.9636400, -91.5579400 |
| Altitude | 218 |
| 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: 216 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.87 | $35.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.16 | $40.32 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.06 | $44.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.14 | $50.28 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.