How far is Riverside, IA from Des Moines, IA?
Fastest route
The distance from Riverside, Iowa 52327 to Des Moines, Iowa is approximately 125 miles (201 kilometers). The estimated travel time is 2 hours and 22 minutes. Here are the directions:
- Start by heading south on Washburn St toward W First St.
- Follow IA-22 W to IA-149 S in Webster, and turn right onto IA-22 W/W First St.
- Continue straight onto IA-22 W/E Ave and follow IA-22 W.
- Merge onto IA-92 W and continue for approximately 25.1 miles. Pass by Taco John's on the right.
- Turn right to merge onto IA-163 W and continue for about 56 miles. Pass by McDonald's on the right.
- Use the right lane to take the ramp onto I-235 W.
- Use the 2nd lane from the right to take exit 8A toward Mercy/Downtown/Des Moines/Iowa Events Ctr.
- Use the left lane to follow signs for 5th Ave/Iowa Events Ctr/6th Ave/7th St.
- Take 7th St to Locust St.
- Slight left to stay on Day St.
- Use any lane to turn left onto 7th St.
- Finally, use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Locust St.
Directions
- Head south on Washburn St toward W First St.
- Turn right onto IA-22 W/W First St.
- Continue straight onto IA-22 W/E Ave.
- Merge onto IA-92 W and continue for approximately 25.1 miles.
- Turn right to merge onto IA-163 W and continue for about 56 miles.
- Take the ramp onto I-235 W.
- Follow signs for 5th Ave/Iowa Events Ctr/6th Ave/7th St.
- Take 7th St to Locust St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to have enough fuel for the journey, as it's a 2-hour drive.
- 🛣️ Stay on IA-22 W and IA-163 W to follow the most direct route.
- 📱 Use a navigation app or GPS to help you stay on track.
- 🍽️ Consider packing some snacks or stopping at a restaurant along the way for a quick break.
- ⛽ Check for nearby gas stations before starting your journey to ensure you won't run out of fuel.
- 🚦 Be aware of traffic conditions, especially when approaching Des Moines.
- 🚗 Follow the signs for 5th Ave/Iowa Events Ctr/6th Ave/7th St to reach your destination.
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 03m.
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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Riverside and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Riverside and Des Moines.
-
1
Start on North Washburn Street
33 m · 10 sec · North Washburn Street
-
2
Turn left onto West 1st Street
1567 ft · 27 sec · West 1st Street
-
3
Continue on East Hickory Street
2555 ft · 44 sec · East Hickory Street
-
4
Continue on State Highway 22
1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 22
-
5
Take the ramp left
1631 ft · 40 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
15.1 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1327 ft · 32 sec
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Des Moines
1.1 mi · 2 min
-
9
Merge slight left
100.6 mi · 1 hr 48 min
-
10
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
-
11
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
-
13
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
-
14
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
-
15
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Riverside 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.
I 80 West
Merge slight left
101 mi · 01h 48m
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 leaving Riverside 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 Riverside to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 125.4 miles (201.8 km) and usually takes 02h 03m 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?
Malcom is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.3 miles from Riverside and 63.1 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.2 miles (169.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.2 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 2:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.67 one way or $33.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Riverside and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Malcom
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 Malcom.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Riverside and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 105.2 mi (169.3 km).
#1 Riverside
City in Washington County, Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,021 |
| Coordinates | 41.4797400, -91.5812800 |
| Altitude | 198 |
| 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: 202 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.67 | $33.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.80 | $37.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.57 | $41.14 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.44 | $46.89 |
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.