How far is Panora, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Panora, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 50.3 miles (80.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.5 miles (63.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 53m 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 56m.
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Panora and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Panora and Des Moines.
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1
Start on East Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · East Main Street
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2
Continue on State Highway 44
3.6 mi · 5 min · State Highway 44
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3
Continue on 240th Street
13.3 mi · 18 min · 240th Street
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4
Turn right onto N Avenue
4.6 mi · 6 min · N Avenue
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5
Continue on Nile Kinnick Drive North
3226 ft · 2 min · Nile Kinnick Drive North
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6
Turn left onto Greene Street
1 km · 1 min · Greene Street
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7
Continue on 290th Street
11.8 mi · 17 min · 290th Street
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8
Take the exit right toward I-35 south, I-80 west
1374 ft · 34 sec
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9
Merge slight left
1.5 km · 1 min
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10
Keep slight left
2012 ft · 26 sec
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 235 East: West Des Moines, Des Moines
2327 ft · 57 sec · Ramp 72 I
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12
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
8.4 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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14
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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15
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Panora and Des Moines.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
240th Street
Continue on 240th Street
13.3 mi · 00h 18m
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 Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Panora and Sunny then 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 Panora to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 50.3 miles (80.9 km) and usually takes 00h 56m 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?
Adel is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.2 miles from Panora and 27 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.5 miles (63.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.8 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 4:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.67 one way or $13.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Panora and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Adel
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 Adel.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Panora and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 39.43 mi (63.46 km).
#1 Panora
City in Guthrie County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,066 |
| Coordinates | 41.6916500, -94.3630200 |
| Altitude | 328 |
| 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: 81 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.67 | $13.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.53 | $15.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.24 | $16.48 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.39 | $18.78 |
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 · May 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.