How far is Ogden, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Ogden, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 54.3 miles (87.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 37.2 miles (59.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 46m 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 00h 53m.
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.
The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ogden and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ogden and Des Moines.
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1
Start on East Walnut Street
26 m · 8 sec · East Walnut Street
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2
Turn left onto South 1st Street
2879 ft · 1 min · South 1st Street
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3
Continue on H Avenue
1131 ft · 28 sec · H Avenue
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4
Take the exit right
1346 ft · 37 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto 220th Street
12.8 mi · 16 min · 220th Street
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6
Continue on 230th Street
11 mi · 13 min · 230th Street
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business South, I 35 South: Des Moines
24.4 mi · 27 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 Ogden 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.
I 35 Business South
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business South, I 35 South: Des Moines
24.4 mi · 00h 27m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ogden 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 Ogden to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 54.3 miles (87.4 km) and usually takes 00h 53m 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?
Ames is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.5 miles from Ogden and 26.8 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 37.2 miles (59.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.1 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 4:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.24 one way or $14.48 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ogden and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Ames
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 Ames.
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ogden and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 37.19 mi (59.85 km).
#1 Ogden
City in Yell Township, Boone County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,985 |
| Coordinates | 42.0391500, -94.0277300 |
| Altitude | 338 |
| 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: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.24 | $14.48 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.17 | $16.33 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.94 | $17.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.18 | $20.37 |
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.