How far is Northwood, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Northwood, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 139.9 miles (225.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 128.9 miles (207.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 18m 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 09m.
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 located in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Northwood and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Northwood and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on Central Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Central Avenue
-
2
Continue on County Road 105
5.9 mi · 10 min · County Road 105
-
3
Take the ramp sharp left
1936 ft · 47 sec
-
4
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
23.2 mi · 25 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
2212 ft · 27 sec
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6
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
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7
Merge slight left
102.7 mi · 1 hr 51 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
-
9
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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11
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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12
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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13
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Northwood 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.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
103 mi · 01h 51m
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.
Sunny leaving Northwood and Sunny near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Northwood to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 139.9 miles (225.1 km) and usually takes 02h 09m 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?
Oakland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 69.8 miles from Northwood and 70 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 128.9 miles (207.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 11 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 2:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.59 one way or $37.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Northwood and Sunny near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Northwood and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 128.9 mi (207.45 km).
#1 Northwood
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,958 |
| Coordinates | 43.4441200, -93.2210400 |
| Altitude | 375 |
| 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: 225 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.59 | $37.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.97 | $41.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.94 | $45.89 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.15 | $52.30 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.