How far is Pocahontas, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Pocahontas, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 137.6 miles (221.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 95.4 miles (153.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 21m 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 02h 10m.
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.
Human settlement in Hamilton County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Pocahontas and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pocahontas and Des Moines.
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1
Start on 3rd Avenue Northwest
22 m · 5 sec · 3rd Avenue Northwest
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2
Turn right onto North Main Street
1019 ft · 47 sec · North Main Street
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3
Turn right onto West Elm Avenue
2673 ft · 51 sec · West Elm Avenue
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4
Turn left onto Southwest 7th Street
2573 ft · 1 min · Southwest 7th Street
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5
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · 220th Avenue
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6
Continue on Marengo Avenue
2317 ft · 39 sec · Marengo Avenue
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7
Continue on North East Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North East Street
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8
Continue on Marengo Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Marengo Avenue
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Marshall Avenue
2.3 mi · 3 min · Marshall Avenue
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10
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
1749 ft · 48 sec
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11
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left
54.5 mi · 59 min
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14
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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15
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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16
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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17
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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18
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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19
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Pocahontas 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.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 01h 04m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny leaving Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 137.6 miles (221.5 km) and usually takes 02h 10m 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?
Kamrar is a useful midpoint, sitting about 68.7 miles from Pocahontas and 68.8 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 95.4 miles (153.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.2 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 2:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.33 one way or $36.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around Pocahontas and Sunny near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Pocahontas and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 95.37 mi (153.49 km).
#1 Pocahontas
City in and county seat of Pocahontas County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,630 |
| Coordinates | 42.7355300, -94.6691500 |
| Altitude | 372 |
| 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: 221 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.33 | $36.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.67 | $41.34 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.62 | $45.24 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.78 | $51.55 |
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.