How far is Storm Lake, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Storm Lake, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 156.6 miles (252 km), with a travel time of about 02h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 109.1 miles (175.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 52m 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 26m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, in the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Storm Lake and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Storm Lake and Des Moines.
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1
Start on Grand Avenue
942 ft · 40 sec · Grand Avenue
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2
Continue on West Lakeshore Drive
3.1 mi · 7 min · West Lakeshore Drive
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3
Continue on 130th Avenue
10.9 mi · 15 min · 130th Avenue
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4
Continue on US 71
1014 ft · 20 sec · US 71
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5
Take the exit left toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
1841 ft · 51 sec
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6
Merge slight left
80.8 mi · 1 hr 33 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
54.5 mi · 59 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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10
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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13
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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14
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Storm Lake 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
80.8 mi · 01h 33m
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 Storm Lake 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 Storm Lake to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 156.6 miles (252 km) and usually takes 02h 26m 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?
Duncombe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.2 miles from Storm Lake and 78.4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 109.1 miles (175.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.5 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 1:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.82 one way or $41.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Storm Lake and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Storm Lake and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 109.08 mi (175.54 km).
#1 Storm Lake
City in Iowa
| Population | 10,438 |
| Coordinates | 42.6410900, -95.2097200 |
| Altitude | 433 |
| 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: 252 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.82 | $41.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.48 | $46.95 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.69 | $51.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.28 | $58.56 |
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.