Eldora, IA to Des Moines, IA is 79.2 miles and takes about 1h 40m via I 35 and US 65, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Iowa, traversing the Midwest region. It's a straightforward drive, primarily on major highways, making it an easy choice for a quick day trip or an efficient way to get from point A to point B. You'll find the journey uncomplicated, ideal if you prefer to minimize driving time and maximize your destination's potential.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
39.6 miles from Eldora, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 35
45.1 mi
49m
State Highway 175
14.8 mi
21m
US 65
6.2 mi
9m
330th Street
5.5 mi
8m
John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi
5m
Edgington Avenue
1.4 mi
2m
Pennsylvania Avenue
0.3 mi
<1m
East University Avenue
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 45.1 mi, about 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eldora, IA and Des Moines, IA.
1
Start on Washington Street
69 ft·6 sec·Washington Street
2
Turn right onto IA 175
1.4 mi·2 min·Edgington Avenue
3
Continue on IA 175
6.9 mi·9 min·State Highway 175
4
Continue on US 65
2.4 mi·3 min·US 65
5
Turn straight onto US 65
3.9 mi·5 min·US 65
6
Turn sharp right onto IA 175
7.9 mi·11 min·State Highway 175
7
Continue on IA 175
5.5 mi·8 min·330th Street
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I-35 south: Des Moines
9
Merge onto I 35
45 mi·49 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 235 West: Des Moines
11
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4.0 mi·5 min·John MacVicar Freeway
Toward I 235 West: Des MoinesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 8BToward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East VillageUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward East Village, East 6th Street, Penn AvenueUse the slight right lane.
14
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
0.3 mi·34 sec·Pennsylvania Avenue
15
Turn left onto East University Avenue
100 ft·8 sec·East University Avenue
16
Arrive at destination
East University Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the short 1h 40m duration, this trip offers considerable flexibility. You could easily depart in the morning and still have the entire day ahead of you at your destination. With only 79.2 miles, planning for extensive stops isn't necessary, though you'll find services along I 35 if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $12, and it's always wise to top up before leaving Eldora to ensure a smooth journey to Des Moines.
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 39.6 miles from Eldora, IA, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 45.1 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 17 miles or 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.6 miles or 55m 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 25m
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 Eldora, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Eldora, IA
This is one driving day of about 79.2 miles and 1h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Eldora, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 35 for about 45.1 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 9
5 decision points cluster between mile 14.5 and 78.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
14.5 mi into trip|~22m in|IA 175 / State Highway 175
Turn sharp right onto IA 175 / State Highway 175
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
27.9 mi into trip|~42m in
Take the ramp toward I-35 south: Des Moines
Navigation decision point
Toward I-35 south: Des Moines
5
28.2 mi into trip|~42m in|I 35
Merge onto I 35
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
78.2 mi into trip|~1h 38m 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
78.5 mi into trip|~1h 38m 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
$12.38 one way
$24.76 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$13.59
$27.19
premium
$4.89
$15.24
$30.48
diesel
$5.61
$17.49
$34.97
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23.8
0
$8.32
$3.80
Efficient EV
19.8
0
$6.93
$3.17
EV Truck/SUV
31.7
0
$11.09
$5.07
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (68% 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 17, 2026
Origin
Eldora, IA
Morning
in Eldora on Tuesday
Local time
7:41 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 20 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 5:35PM CDT until April 17 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 17 at 5:35PM CDT until April 17 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Des Moines, IA
Morning
in Des Moines on Tuesday
Local time
7:41 AM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 21 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 5:35PM CDT until April 17 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 17 at 5:35PM CDT until April 17 at 6:00PM 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
4 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 40m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 89% of the journey utilizing major roads like I 35 and US 65. Expect a consistent pace for most of the 79.2 miles, broken up by a longest stretch of 45.1 miles on I 35. The character remains largely consistent, offering a smooth, albeit familiar, highway experience. It’s the kind of drive where you can settle in and watch the miles accumulate without many significant shifts in road type or scenery.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 45.1 mi on I 35.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and State Highway 175. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 14.5 miles in near IA 175 / State Highway 175.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 79.2 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 14.5 miles (IA 175 / State Highway 175): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 27.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 28.2 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
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 1h 40m. Total distance: 79.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 45.1 miles on I 35. 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 Des Moines, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 14.5 miles (IA 175 / State Highway 175): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 27.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 28.2 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Des Moines, IA before heading back.
