How far is Sergeant Bluff, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Sergeant Bluff, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 192.4 miles (309.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 151.7 miles (244.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 46m 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 53m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sergeant Bluff and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sergeant Bluff and Des Moines.
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1
Start on 4th Street
37 m · 11 sec · 4th Street
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2
Turn left onto E Street
1273 ft · 58 sec · E Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto 1st Street
2524 ft · 1 min · 1st Street
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4
Turn left onto I 29 South
1849 ft · 45 sec
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5
Merge slight left
69.3 mi · 1 hr 14 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 880 East: Des Moines
1.2 km · 2 min
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7
Continue straight
16 mi · 17 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Des Moines
1.1 km · 44 sec
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9
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
8.9 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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12
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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13
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sergeant Bluff 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 East
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 01h 42m
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 Cloudy leaving Sergeant Bluff and Mostly Cloudy near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sergeant Bluff to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 192.4 miles (309.6 km) and usually takes 02h 53m 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?
Shelby is a useful midpoint, sitting about 96.1 miles from Sergeant Bluff and 96.3 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 151.7 miles (244.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 40.7 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 12:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.61 one way or $51.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 60.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Sergeant Bluff and Mostly Cloudy near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Shelby
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 Shelby.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sergeant Bluff and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 151.68 mi (244.11 km).
#1 Sergeant Bluff
City in Woodbury County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 5,119 |
| Coordinates | 42.4038800, -96.3586400 |
| Altitude | 334 |
| 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: 310 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.61 | $51.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.88 | $57.76 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.60 | $63.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.01 | $72.03 |
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 29, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.