How far is University Heights, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from University Heights, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 112.9 miles (181.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.1 miles (170.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 45m 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 52m.
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 University Heights and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between University Heights and Des Moines.
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1
Start on Koser Avenue
761 ft · 34 sec · Koser Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Sunset Street
79 m · 18 sec · Sunset Street
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3
Turn left onto Melrose Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · Melrose Avenue
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4
Take the ramp right
1993 ft · 49 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
2.5 mi · 3 min · Avenue of the Saints
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1327 ft · 32 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Des Moines
1.1 mi · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left
100.6 mi · 1 hr 48 min
-
9
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
-
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 University Heights 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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving University Heights 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 University Heights to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 112.9 miles (181.7 km) and usually takes 01h 52m 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 56.1 miles from University Heights and 56.9 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 106.1 miles (170.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.8 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 2:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.01 one way or $30.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around University Heights 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 University Heights and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 106.06 mi (170.68 km).
#1 University Heights
Town in Johnson County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,025 |
| Coordinates | 41.6550200, -91.5568400 |
| Altitude | 233 |
| 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: 182 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.01 | $30.02 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.93 | $33.85 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.52 | $37.05 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.11 | $42.22 |
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.