Des Moines to Waukon is 204 miles and takes about 4h 34m via Northeast Hubbell Road, Larrabee Avenue, and Harding Road, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Iowa, moving you from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. You'll be on mostly surface roads for this trip, so expect a more local feel rather than interstate cruising. It's a straightforward, single-day option if you're looking for a direct way to get between these two points in Iowa.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
102 miles from Des Moines, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Northeast Hubbell Road
35.2 mi
41m
Larrabee Avenue
22.8 mi
26m
Harding Road
16.9 mi
23m
Sanford Avenue
15.9 mi
21m
230th Street
13 mi
17m
US 20
11.2 mi
12m
270th Street
10.9 mi
14m
State Highway 51
10.6 mi
15m
Longest stretch:
Northeast Hubbell Road
— 35.2 mi, about 41m
Traffic on I-235
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,808 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~182 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 13 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines, IA and Waukon, 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-BToward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, DavenportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Exit 137AToward I 80 East: DavenportUse 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 142Toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, BondurantUse 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
35 mi·41 min·Northeast Hubbell Road
12
Turn left onto IA 330
5.9 mi·8 min·Marsh Avenue
13
Continue on IA 330
1.2 mi·1 min·South Main Street
14
Continue on IA 330
4.3 mi·5 min·160th Street
15
Turn left onto IA 14
16 mi·21 min·Sanford Avenue
16
Turn right onto IA 14; IA 175
6.3 mi·9 min·240th Street
17
Turn left onto M Avenue
1.5 mi·2 min·M Avenue
18
Continue on County Road T37
1.0 mi·1 min·County Road T37
19
Turn sharp right onto 210th Street
1.0 mi·1 min·210th Street
20
Turn left onto IA 14
4.4 mi·6 min·N Avenue
21
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward US 20 East: Waterloo
22
Merge onto US 20
11 mi·12 min·US 20
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
24
Turn left onto Grundy Road
1.0 mi·1 min·Grundy Road
25
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi·4 min·University Avenue
26
Enter roundabout onto Greenhill Road
8 ft·0 sec·Greenhill Road
27
Continue on Greenhill Road
1.2 mi·2 min·Greenhill Road
28
Turn left onto IA 27; IA 58
2.7 mi·3 min·Avenue of the Saints
29
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 185Toward US 218 South: WaterlooUse the slight right lane.
30
Merge onto US 218
0.7 mi·48 sec·Leo P Rooff Expressway
31
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward Broadway Street: Airport
32
Turn left onto Airport Boulevard
0.3 mi·35 sec·Airport Boulevard
33
Turn right onto West Airline Highway
3.0 mi·5 min·West Airline Highway
34
Turn left onto US 63
6.9 mi·8 min·Logan Avenue
35
Continue on US 63
23 mi·26 min·Larrabee Avenue
36
Take the exit
0.4 mi·57 sec
37
At end of road, turn left onto US 18
5.4 mi·7 min·270th Street
38
Continue on US 18
0.9 mi·1 min·West Main Street
39
Continue on US 18
5.5 mi·7 min·270th Street
40
Continue on US 18
13 mi·17 min·230th Street
41
Continue on US 18
1.3 mi·1 min·West Bradford Street
42
Continue on US 18
17 mi·23 min·Harding Road
43
Turn left onto IA 51
0.3 mi·27 sec·North Lawler Street
44
Continue on IA 51
11 mi·15 min·State Highway 51
45
Turn right onto IA 9
4.7 mi·7 min·State Highway 9
46
Turn left onto IA 9; IA 76
2.0 mi·3 min·Rossville Road
47
Turn right onto IA 9
56 ft·6 sec·West Main Street
48
Turn left onto IA 9
50 ft·0 sec·Allamakee Street Northwest
49
Arrive at destination
IA 9
Trip Plan
For this 204-mile drive, leaving Des Moines in the morning should give you ample time to reach Waukon comfortably within the 4h 34m estimated duration. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $36, you won't need to over-plan. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility; consider breaking up the 35.2-mile stretch on Northeast Hubbell Road with a brief stop if needed. Keep an eye out for changes in speed limits as you transition from more open roads to areas with more local traffic.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 102 miles from Des Moines, IA, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.2 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 45 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102 miles or 2h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waukon, 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 204 miles and 4h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Des Moines, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Northeast Hubbell Road for about 35.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 108.1 — 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
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...
7
108.1 mi into trip|~2h 23m in
Take the exit toward US 218 South: Waterloo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 185
Toward US 218 South: Waterloo
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.13 one way
$60.25 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg71 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$33.26
$66.52
premium
$4.72
$37.88
$75.75
diesel
$4.80
$38.52
$77.04
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.2
0
$21.42
$9.79
Efficient EV
51
0
$17.85
$8.16
EV Truck/SUV
81.6
1
$28.56
$13.06
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 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 Jul 14, 2026
Origin
Des Moines, IA
Morning
in Des Moines on Sunday
Local time
6:11 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Sunny
NNE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 14 at 12:00PM CDT until July 14 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 14 at 9:31AM CDT until July 17 at 12:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Waukon, IA
Morning
in Waukon on Sunday
Local time
6:11 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Sunny
W 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 14 at 12:00PM CDT until July 14 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 14 at 9:31AM CDT until July 17 at 12:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
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
2 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
4h 34m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Effigy Mounds National Monument
National Monument
The mounds preserved here are considered sacred by many Americans, especially the Monument's 20 culturally associated American Indian tribes. A visit offers opportunities to contemplate the meanings o...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 189.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily surface roads, with only 17% of the drive on highways. You'll begin on Northeast Hubbell Road, which accounts for the longest stretch at 35.2 miles. After that, expect to navigate through local roads, as indicated by the "Mostly surface roads" profile. This means you'll likely experience more traffic signals and varying speed limits compared to highway driving.
Only 17% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 35.2 mi on Northeast Hubbell Road.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 31 significant decision points across 204 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 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,235 ft873 ft
Total Climb
677 ft
Total Descent
314 ft
Highest Point
1,235 ft
~204 mi in
Elevation Range
363 ft
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 Waukon, IA, road signs point toward Cr D18: Cedar Falls and Broadway Street: Airport.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 34m. Total distance: 204 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 35.2 miles on Northeast Hubbell Road. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 4 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Waukon, 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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 4 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (East University Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Effigy Mounds National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Waukon, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.
