How far is Pella, IA from Des Moines, IA?
Fastest route
Here are some tips and suggestions for your journey from Pella, Iowa, to Des Moines, Iowa, which is approximately 42.7 miles (68.7 kilometers) long.
Directions
- 🚗 Head west on Washington St toward Broadway St.
- 🛣️ Turn right to merge onto IA-163 W toward Des Moines.
- 🛣️ Take exit 29 for IA-14 toward Monroe/Newton.
- 🚦 Turn left onto IA-163 BUS W/Sherman St.
- 🚦 Continue to follow IA-163 BUS W.
- 🚦 Turn left onto W Washington St, then continue onto SE 64th Ave.
- 🚦 Turn right onto SE 116th St, then left onto SE 56th Ave.
- 🚦 Continue onto SE Vandalia Dr, then turn left onto State Hwy 46/Vandalia Rd.
- 🚦 Follow State Hwy 46 and turn left onto E M.L.K. Jr Pkwy.
- 🚦 Continue onto W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy.
- 🚦 Turn right onto SW 5th St, then right at the 1st cross street onto 6th Ave.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚘 Make sure your vehicle is in good condition for a smooth journey.
- ⛽ Fill up your gas tank before starting the trip.
- 🗺️ Use a navigation app to get real-time traffic updates.
- ☀️ Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
- 🚧 Be aware of any road closures or construction along the route.
- 🕑 Plan your trip to avoid peak traffic hours if possible.
- 🛣️ Enjoy the scenic drive and stay alert for any interesting landmarks.
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 48m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Jasper County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Pella and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pella and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on Washington Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Washington Street
-
2
Take the ramp right
2013 ft · 49 sec
-
3
Merge slight left
40.4 mi · 52 min
-
4
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Pella 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.
Washington Street
Merge slight left
40.4 mi · 00h 52m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Pella and Partly Sunny near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Pella to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 42.4 miles (68.3 km) and usually takes 00h 48m 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?
Prairie City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.2 miles from Pella and 21.3 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.2 miles (61.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.2 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 4:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.66 one way or $11.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Pella and Partly Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Prairie City
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 Prairie City.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Pella and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 38.23 mi (61.53 km).
#1 Pella
City in Marion County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,266 |
| Coordinates | 41.4080500, -92.9163100 |
| Altitude | 270 |
| 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: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.66 | $11.31 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.38 | $12.76 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.98 | $13.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.96 | $15.91 |
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 28, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.