How far is New London, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from New London, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 145.3 miles (233.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 123.8 miles (199.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 45m 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 22m.
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.
Human settlement in Wapello County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between New London and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New London and Des Moines.
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1
Start on the route
22 m · 7 sec
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2
Turn right onto North Oak Street
136 m · 22 sec · North Oak Street
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3
Turn right onto East Main Street
2863 ft · 57 sec · East Main Street
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4
Continue on 260th Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 260th Street
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5
Turn right
4.4 mi · 5 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 218, IA 27 North: Iowa City, Fairfield
1.3 km · 2 min
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7
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
1.8 mi · 2 min · Avenue of the Saints
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8
Keep slight right
61.1 mi · 1 hr 11 min
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9
Continue straight
75.3 mi · 1 hr 32 min
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between New London 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.
Avenue of the Saints
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 Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving New London 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 New London to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 145.3 miles (233.9 km) and usually takes 02h 22m 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?
Kirkville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 72.6 miles from New London and 72.8 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 123.8 miles (199.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.5 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 1:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.35 one way or $38.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around New London and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Kirkville
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 Kirkville.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Osceola
Fort Madison station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between New London and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 123.83 mi (199.28 km).
#1 New London
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,825 |
| Coordinates | 40.9269800, -91.3996000 |
| Altitude | 232 |
| 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: 234 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.35 | $38.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.82 | $43.64 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.88 | $47.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.21 | $54.42 |
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.