How far is Oakland, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Oakland, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 106.8 miles (171.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 94.8 miles (152.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 29m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
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 44m.
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 Adair and Guthrie Counties in the US state of Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Slight Chance Drizzle
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.
-
1
Start on Oakland Avenue
34 m · 7 sec · Oakland Avenue
-
2
Turn left onto North Kearney Street
112 m · 17 sec · North Kearney Street
-
3
Turn right
1.4 km · 2 min
-
4
Turn left
6.4 mi · 9 min
-
5
Keep slight left
7.5 mi · 11 min
-
6
Take the ramp slight right
1377 ft · 34 sec
-
7
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 1 hr 28 min
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
8.9 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
-
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 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.
North Kearney Street
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 01h 28m
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 Cloudy leaving Oakland and Slight Chance Drizzle 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 106.8 miles (171.8 km) and usually takes 01h 44m 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?
Adair is a useful midpoint, sitting about 53.3 miles from Oakland and 53.4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 94.8 miles (152.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 12 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:00 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.85 one way or $29.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Oakland and Slight Chance Drizzle near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Adair
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 Adair.
Creston
Osceola
Omaha
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Oakland and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 94.73 mi (152.45 km).
#1 Oakland
Oakland is a place in Iowa, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.3091600, -95.3966700 |
| Altitude | 337 |
| 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: 172 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.94 | $14.85 | $29.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.28 | $16.12 | $32.25 |
| Premium | $4.84 | $18.24 | $36.47 |
| Diesel | $6.01 | $22.66 | $45.32 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026