How far is Red Oak, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Red Oak, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 120.4 miles (193.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 93.3 miles (150.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 09m 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 04m.
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 Adair and Guthrie Counties in the US state of Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Red Oak and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Red Oak and Des Moines.
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1
Start on East Reed Street
1980 ft · 1 min · East Reed Street
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2
Turn right onto North Broadway Street
14 mi · 21 min · North Broadway Street
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3
Continue on M Avenue
1.4 km · 1 min · M Avenue
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4
Continue on 550th Street
4.8 mi · 7 min · 550th Street
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5
Continue on Adair Street
1.5 km · 1 min · Adair Street
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6
Continue on 550th Street
5.3 mi · 8 min · 550th Street
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7
Turn right onto White Pole Road
8.9 mi · 13 min · White Pole Road
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8
Continue on Southwest 7th Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Southwest 7th Street
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9
Continue on West 7th Street
1 km · 1 min · West 7th Street
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10
Continue on White Pole Road
757 ft · 22 sec · White Pole Road
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11
Continue on East 7th Street
3.5 mi · 6 min · East 7th Street
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12
Turn left onto 650th Street
6.4 mi · 9 min · 650th Street
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13
Take the exit right
62 mi · 1 hr 7 min
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14
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
8.9 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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16
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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17
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Red Oak 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.
650th Street
Take the exit right
62 mi · 01h 07m
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 Red Oak and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Red Oak to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 120.4 miles (193.8 km) and usually takes 02h 04m 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?
Adair is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.1 miles from Red Oak and 61.4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 93.3 miles (150.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.1 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 2:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.03 one way or $32.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around Red Oak and Chance Rain Showers near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Adair
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 Adair.
Creston
Osceola
Omaha
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Red Oak and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 93.3 mi (150.15 km).
#1 Red Oak
City in and county seat of Montgomery County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,271 |
| Coordinates | 41.0097200, -95.2255500 |
| Altitude | 320 |
| 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: 194 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.03 | $32.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.08 | $36.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.78 | $39.56 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.54 | $45.08 |
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.