How far is Williamsburg, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Williamsburg, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 89.4 miles (143.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 82.8 miles (133.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 53m 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 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 Jasper County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Williamsburg and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Williamsburg and Des Moines.
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1
Start on Court Street
43 m · 11 sec · Court Street
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2
Turn left onto West Welsh Street
122 m · 13 sec · West Welsh Street
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3
Turn left onto South Highland Street
2030 ft · 34 sec · South Highland Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 149
1.5 mi · 2 min · State Highway 149
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5
Turn left
1862 ft · 45 sec
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6
Merge slight left
81.6 mi · 1 hr 28 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 Williamsburg 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.
State Highway 149
Merge slight left
81.6 mi · 01h 28m
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 Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Williamsburg and Slight 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 Williamsburg to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 89.4 miles (143.8 km) and usually takes 01h 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?
Oakland Acres is a useful midpoint, sitting about 44.7 miles from Williamsburg and 44.7 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 82.8 miles (133.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.6 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 3:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.88 one way or $23.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Williamsburg and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Oakland Acres
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 Oakland Acres.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Williamsburg and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 82.74 mi (133.15 km).
#1 Williamsburg
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,179 |
| Coordinates | 41.6611200, -92.0090700 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| 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: 144 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.88 | $23.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.40 | $26.79 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.66 | $29.32 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.71 | $33.42 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.