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Trip from Des Moines, IA to Palo, IA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 25m

Distance

117.3 mi

189 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 16m ★
6 AM
2h 25m
8 AM
2h 45m
10 AM
2h 32m
12 PM
2h 30m
3 PM
2h 33m
5 PM
2h 44m
8 PM
2h 19m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Des Moines, IA, IA

Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Palo, IA, IA

Palo, IA

Ivan Aguilar

Trip Overview

This 117.3-mile drive from Des Moines, IA to Palo, IA is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. The route primarily follows local roads, with a small portion on highways, making it a turn-heavy experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $18, this trip through the Midwest is an accessible option for a quick getaway. There are no designated overnight stops, so you can comfortably complete this journey within a single day. This route offers a straightforward drive within Iowa, ideal for those looking for a short, focused road trip.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

58.6 miles from Des Moines, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Lincoln Highway 37 mi 42m
Northeast Hubbell Road 33.5 mi 39m
73rd Street 26.8 mi 30m
Covington Road 4 mi 7m
I 80 3.4 mi 3m
John MacVicar Freeway 3.3 mi 4m
IA 100 3 mi 3m
Northeast Hubbell Avenue 1.2 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Lincoln Highway — 37 mi, about 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines, IA and Palo, IA.

1

Start on East University Avenue

481 ft · 39 sec · East University Avenue
2

Turn uturn onto East University Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · East University Avenue
3

Turn right onto US 69

0.4 mi · 57 sec · East 14th Street
4

Take the ramp

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet
5

Merge onto I 235

3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 137A-B Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto I 80

3.4 mi · 3 min · I 80
9

Take the exit onto US 65

0.5 mi · 1 min · US 65
Exit 142 Toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant Use the slight right lane.
10

Turn left onto US 65; IA 330

1.2 mi · 1 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
11

Continue on US 65; IA 330

33 mi · 39 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
12

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
13

Merge onto US 30

37 mi · 42 min · Lincoln Highway
14

Continue on US 30

27 mi · 30 min · 73rd Street
15

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min
Toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
16

Continue on IA 100

3.0 mi · 3 min · IA 100
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward Covington, Cedar Rapids
18

Turn left onto CR W36

4.0 mi · 7 min · Covington Road
19

Turn right onto 1st Street

0.5 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
20

Turn right onto Vinton Street

85 ft · 3 sec · Vinton Street
21

Arrive at destination

Vinton Street

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 25-minute duration and 117.3-mile distance, this trip is best suited for a single day. Aim to depart Des Moines in the morning to allow ample time for any unexpected delays or brief pauses. With minimal highway driving, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially since the estimated cost is $18. The longest stretch on Lincoln Highway is 37 miles, so plan a quick stop before or after this segment if you prefer not to drive that far continuously. The turn-heavy nature of this route means staying alert and confirming directions is key.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 58.6 miles from Des Moines, IA, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 26 miles or 34m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 58.6 miles or 1h 12m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 56m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Palo, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Des Moines, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Des Moines, IA

This is one driving day of about 117.3 miles and 2h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Des Moines, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Lincoln Highway for about 37 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city and the county seat of Marshall County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Marshalltown, IA

59 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Colfax, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Marshalltown, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.6 miles from Des Moines, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · around the midpoint

La Carreta Mexican Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset · 1h 2m in / 1h 23m to go 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16417529427

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

0.4 mi

Olympic Flame Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

0.7 mi

Best coffee break · around the midpoint

Holy grounds coffee llc

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset · 1h 2m in / 1h 23m to go 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

2.1 mi

Grind Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fairfax, Iowa

2.3 mi

La Carreta Mexican Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16417529427

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Olympic Flame Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152434361

Visit website

La Terraza Mexican Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Toledo, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10:30 pm

+16414817026

Visit website

A9 Chinese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Toledo, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+16414842268

Visit website

Murph's Creamery & Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Toledo, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16414842022

Visit website

Hardee's

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Toledo, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–12 pm

+16414844926

Visit website

HoQ Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $30 to $50

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15152441213

Visit website

Holy grounds coffee llc

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Grind Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Fairfax, Iowa

Hours: 7–11 am

+13197847798

Visit website

Grounded

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+16416548451

Visit website

Most Wanted Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+16417583380

OurPlace

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

Final third 4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Blairstown, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–12 pm

+13194542739

Main Street Bakery and Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Keystone, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4:30 pm

+13194422253

The Regal Fritillary LLC

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

Final third 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Belle Plaine, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13194449913

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route

Newhall, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

The Pump

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Tama, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–1:45 pm

+16414817332

The Rhodes Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Rhodes, Iowa

Hours: 2 pm–2 am

+16414932012

Visit website

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

Sub City

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–7 pm

+16417521375

Taylor's

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

Visit website

The Spot

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+16417526014

Visit website

The TapHaus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Atkins, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13194462739

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 9.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | East University Avenue

Turn uturn onto East University Avenue

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

6
1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STree...
8
5.1 mi into trip | ~8m in

Take the exit toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 137A-B Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council B...
9
5.4 mi into trip | ~8m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 80 East: Davenport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport
8
9.1 mi into trip | ~13m in | US 65

Take the exit onto US 65 toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 142 Toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Ma...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.34 one way

$36.68 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.13 $40.27
premium $4.89 $22.57 $45.15
diesel $5.61 $25.90 $51.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 41 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 35.2 0 $12.32 $5.63
Efficient EV 29.3 0 $10.26 $4.69
EV Truck/SUV 46.9 0 $16.42 $7.51

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Des Moines, IA

Morning in Des Moines on Tuesday

Local time

6:09 AM

CDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Palo, IA

Morning in Palo on Tuesday

Local time

6:09 AM

CDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

18 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 25m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a "turn-heavy local drive" for this 117.3-mile journey, with only about 9% of the route on highways. The majority of your time will be spent navigating Lincoln Highway, Northeast Hubbell Road, and 73rd Street. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 37 miles along Lincoln Highway. This suggests a drive that requires your attention to navigation and road changes, rather than a high-speed interstate cruise. The road character is predominantly local, winding through familiar terrain.

Only 9% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37 mi on Lincoln Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near East University Avenue.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 117.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (East University Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Des Moines, IA and Palo, IA, road signs point toward Bondurant and Marion.

Bondurant

9.1 mi in | ~13m | via US 65

Marion

108.5 mi in | ~2h 10m

About the Cities

Starting in Des Moines, IA

Full guide →

Founded 1843

Des Moines, capital of Iowa, is in the western region of the American Midwest. Des Moines is the largest city in Iowa and the annual site of the Iowa State Fair and numerous cultural festivals during warm weather months. History enthusiasts will find 110 historic sites in and around the city as part of the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area. The city appeals to travelers with an interest in the arts who marvel at the architecture of the State Capitol with its five domes, including the large main dome with its gleaming 23-karat gold surface. The city has a good art museum, a symphony that performs in the downtown Civic Center (along with opera, ballet, and other performing arts), and a big annual arts festival that draws visitors from across Iowa and beyond.

Top landmarks

  • • Iowa State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Iowa
  • • St. Ambrose Cathedral — church in Iowa, United States
  • • Des Moines Art Center — art museum in Des Moines, Iowa

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 25m. Total distance: 117.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 37 miles on Lincoln Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Palo, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (East University Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Palo, IA before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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