How far is Ottumwa, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Ottumwa, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 86.9 miles (139.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 74 miles (119.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 57m 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 28m.
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 Marion County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ottumwa and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ottumwa and Des Moines.
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1
Start on West Fourth Street
1124 ft · 29 sec · West Fourth Street
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2
Turn right onto North Wapello Street
121 m · 5 sec · North Wapello Street
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3
Continue on Old US Highway 63
4.8 mi · 6 min · Old US Highway 63
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4
Turn left
1752 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
81.4 mi · 1 hr 39 min
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6
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ottumwa 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.
Old US Highway 63
Merge slight left
81.4 mi · 01h 39m
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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 86.9 miles (139.8 km) and usually takes 01h 28m 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?
Pella is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.4 miles from Ottumwa and 43.5 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 74 miles (119.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.9 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 3:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.54 one way or $23.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ottumwa and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Pella
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Pella.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ottumwa and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 73.98 mi (119.06 km).
#1 Ottumwa
City in Iowa
| Population | 24,375 |
| Coordinates | 41.0200100, -92.4113000 |
| Altitude | 205 |
| 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: 140 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.54 | $23.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.01 | $26.03 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.24 | $28.48 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.23 | $32.46 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.