How far is Wapello, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Wapello, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 162.6 miles (261.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 128.9 miles (207.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 24m 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 42m.
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.
Human settlement in Iowa County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wapello and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wapello and Des Moines.
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1
Start on North 2nd Street
676 ft · 32 sec · North 2nd Street
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2
Turn right onto Franklin Street
2623 ft · 53 sec · Franklin Street
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3
Merge slight left onto James L Hodges Avenue
2240 ft · 29 sec · James L Hodges Avenue
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4
Continue on North Baxter Street
6.1 mi · 7 min · North Baxter Street
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 92 west, CR G48 east: Grandview, Columbus Junction
1592 ft · 46 sec
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6
Turn left onto State Highway 92
8.3 mi · 12 min · State Highway 92
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7
Continue on Oak Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Oak Street
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8
Continue on State Highway 92
8.6 mi · 13 min · State Highway 92
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9
Take the ramp left
1577 ft · 43 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
29.2 mi · 34 min · Avenue of the Saints
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1327 ft · 32 sec
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Des Moines
1.1 mi · 2 min
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13
Merge slight left
100.6 mi · 1 hr 48 min
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14
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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15
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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16
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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17
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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18
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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19
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wapello 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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Wapello and Mostly Sunny near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wapello to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 162.6 miles (261.6 km) and usually takes 02h 42m 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?
Ladora is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.8 miles from Wapello and 81.7 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 128.9 miles (207.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.7 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 1:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.65 one way or $43.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Wapello and Mostly Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Ladora
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 Ladora.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wapello and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 128.92 mi (207.48 km).
#1 Wapello
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,999 |
| Coordinates | 41.1814200, -91.1854300 |
| Altitude | 177 |
| 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: 262 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.65 | $43.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.41 | $48.82 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.71 | $53.43 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.44 | $60.89 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.