How far is Solon, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Solon, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 122.7 miles (197.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 110 miles (177.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 55m 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 01h 57m.
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Solon and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Solon and Des Moines.
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1
Start on East Main Street
91 m · 10 sec · East Main Street
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2
Turn right onto South Market Street
1.2 km · 1 min · South Market Street
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3
Continue on Highway 1 Northeast
7.5 mi · 10 min · Highway 1 Northeast
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4
Continue on North Dodge Street
2471 ft · 56 sec · North Dodge Street
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5
Take the ramp right
1709 ft · 42 sec
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6
Merge slight left
108.1 mi · 1 hr 57 min
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7
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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8
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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11
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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12
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Solon 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.
North Dodge Street
Merge slight left
108 mi · 01h 57m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Solon and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Solon to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 122.7 miles (197.4 km) and usually takes 01h 57m 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 61.3 miles from Solon and 61.4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 110 miles (177.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.7 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 2:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.33 one way or $32.66 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Solon and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 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 Solon and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 110.03 mi (177.08 km).
#1 Solon
Human settlement in Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 2,771 |
| Coordinates | 41.8072300, -91.4940600 |
| Altitude | 244 |
| 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: 197 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.33 | $32.66 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.42 | $36.83 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.15 | $40.30 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.97 | $45.93 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.