Origin
Dyersville, IA
Late night in Dyersville on Sunday
Local time
5:19 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dyersville, IA to Des Moines, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 36m
Distance
173.3 mi
279 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 24m
★
6 AM
3h 37m
8 AM
4h 2m
10 AM
3h 45m
12 PM
3h 43m
3 PM
3h 47m
5 PM
4h 0m
8 PM
3h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dyersville, IA
Quang Nguyen Vinh
Des Moines, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 173.3-mile journey from Dyersville, IA, to Des Moines, IA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking about 3 hours and 36 minutes. You'll primarily navigate via US 20, IA 330, and the Avenue of the Saints, with about 60% of the drive on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest excursion is around $27. This route offers a mixed drive experience, making it a straightforward and efficient option for getting between these two Iowa locations. It's a practical choice for a quick transition within the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
86.7 miles from Dyersville, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 20 | 59.4 mi | 1h 8m |
| IA 330 | 35.9 mi | 42m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 23.5 mi | 27m |
| Sanford Avenue | 15.9 mi | 21m |
| 240th Street | 6.3 mi | 9m |
| Marsh Avenue | 5.9 mi | 8m |
| N Avenue | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| US 65 | 4.5 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
US 20
— 59.4 mi, about 1h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dyersville, IA and Des Moines, IA.
1
Start on 2nd Street Southeast
56 ft
·
6 sec
·
2nd Street Southeast
2
Turn left onto 1st Avenue East
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
1st Avenue East
3
Enter roundabout onto 332nd Avenue
204 ft
·
4 sec
·
332nd Avenue
4
Continue on 332nd Avenue
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
332nd Avenue
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 20 West: Waterloo
6
Merge onto US 20
59 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
US 20
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 20; IA 27
23 mi
·
27 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
Toward IA 14: Parkersburg, Grundy Center
9
Turn left onto IA 14
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
N Avenue
10
Turn right onto 210th Street
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
210th Street
11
Turn sharp left onto County Road T37
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road T37
12
Continue on M Avenue
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
M Avenue
13
Turn right onto IA 14; IA 175
6.3 mi
·
9 min
·
240th Street
14
Turn left onto IA 14
16 mi
·
21 min
·
Sanford Avenue
15
Turn right onto IA 330
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
160th Street
16
Keep slight left at fork onto IA 330
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
North Main Street
17
Continue on IA 330
5.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Marsh Avenue
18
Turn right onto IA 330
36 mi
·
42 min
·
IA 330
19
Take the exit onto US 65
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
US 65
Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 137A
Toward I 235 West: Des Moines
Use the slight left lane.
21
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
John MacVicar Freeway
Toward I 235 West: Des Moines
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 8B
Toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
Use the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
24
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
Pennsylvania Avenue
25
Turn left onto East University Avenue
100 ft
·
8 sec
·
East University Avenue
26
Arrive at destination
East University Avenue
Trip Plan
Given its 3 hour and 36-minute duration, this trip is ideal for a single day. You can comfortably leave Dyersville in the morning and arrive in Des Moines by lunchtime, leaving plenty of time for your destination. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longest stretch of 59.4 miles on US 20, and plan your refueling accordingly. The $27 fuel cost suggests efficient driving is achievable.
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 86.7 miles from Dyersville, IA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.4 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 38 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.7 miles or 1h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Des Moines, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dyersville, 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 Dyersville, IA
This is one driving day of about 173.3 miles and 3h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Dyersville, 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 US 20 for about 59.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 86.7 miles from Dyersville, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 205 decision points cluster between mile 85.3 and 172.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
85.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m in
Take the exit toward IA 14: Parkersburg, Grundy Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward IA 14: Parkersburg, Grundy Center
7
163.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m in
|
US 65
Take the exit onto US 65 toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines
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.
Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines
7
167.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
Take the exit toward I 235 West: Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 137A
Toward I 235 West: Des Moines
8
172.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 34m in
Take the exit toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
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 8B
Toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, Ea...
8
172.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 35m in
Keep slight right at fork toward East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Aven...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.09 one way
$54.19 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $29.75 | $59.50 |
| premium | $4.89 | $33.35 | $66.70 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.26 | $76.52 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52 | 0 | $18.20 | $8.32 |
| Efficient EV | 43.3 | 0 | $15.16 | $6.93 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.3 | 0 | $24.26 | $11.09 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Des Moines, IA
Late night in Des Moines on Sunday
Local time
5:19 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°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
17 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
3h 36m 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?
The drive presents a mixed character, balancing highway speeds with other road types. With 60% of the route on highways, you'll experience stretches of efficient travel. The longest uninterrupted segment spans 59.4 miles on US 20, offering a solid period of consistent driving. As you progress, the road will likely transition, offering a varied feel behind the wheel. This blend means you won't be stuck in a monotonous interstate grind for the entire trip.
60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 59.4 mi on US 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 85.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 173.3 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 85.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 163.3 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 167.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Dyersville, IA to Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Grundy Center along the way.
Grundy Center
85.3 mi in
|
~1h 40m
About the Cities
Arriving in Des Moines, IA
Full guide →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.
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 3h 36m. Total distance: 173.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 59.4 miles on US 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Des Moines, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 85.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 163.3 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 167.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Des Moines, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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