How far is Oakland, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Oakland, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 76.7 miles (123.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 68.3 miles (109.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 30m 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 15m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Oakland and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oakland and Des Moines.
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1
Start on Oakland Drive
919 ft · 43 sec · Oakland Drive
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2
Turn right onto Dogwood Avenue
1 km · 2 min · Dogwood Avenue
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3
Turn right onto 30th Street
3 mi · 7 min · 30th Street
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4
Continue on 330th Street
2.5 mi · 6 min · 330th Street
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5
At the end of the road, turn right onto Dows Williams Road
1754 ft · 42 sec · Dows Williams Road
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6
Take the ramp left toward Woolstock
2134 ft · 52 sec
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7
Merge slight left
63.6 mi · 1 hr 9 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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9
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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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 Oakland 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.
Woolstock
Merge slight left
63.6 mi · 01h 09m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny leaving Oakland and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Oakland to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 76.7 miles (123.4 km) and usually takes 01h 15m 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?
Roland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 38.3 miles from Oakland and 38.4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 68.3 miles (109.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.4 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 4:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.22 one way or $20.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around Oakland and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Oakland and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 68.28 mi (109.89 km).
#1 Oakland
City located in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,491 |
| Coordinates | 42.5810900, -93.4432600 |
| Altitude | 345 |
| 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: 123 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.22 | $20.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.53 | $23.05 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.61 | $25.22 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.37 | $28.75 |
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.