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Trip from Fort Madison, 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 31m

Distance

174.6 mi

281 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 19m ★
6 AM
3h 32m
8 AM
3h 56m
10 AM
3h 40m
12 PM
3h 38m
3 PM
3h 41m
5 PM
3h 55m
8 PM
3h 24m

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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city and county seat in Lee County, Iowa, United States

Fort Madison, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Des Moines, IA, IA

Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 174.6-mile drive from Fort Madison, IA to Des Moines, IA is a straightforward, highway-focused journey through the heart of the Midwest. You can expect to spend about 3 hours and 31 minutes on the road, making it a very manageable day trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $27, it's an economical way to travel between these two Iowa cities. The primary routes you'll follow include US 63, US 34, and the Avenue of the Saints, covering 83% highway. This trip is ideal for a single day, offering a direct and efficient route without the need for an overnight stop.

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

87.3 miles from Fort Madison, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 63 75.3 mi 1h 32m
US 34 61.1 mi 1h 10m
Avenue of the Saints 24.5 mi 28m
IA 2 8.3 mi 11m
Avenue O 2.1 mi 3m
Avenue L 1.3 mi 2m
Avenue H 1 mi 1m
Old Highway 61 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 63 — 75.3 mi, about 1h 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

61 ft · 7 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Avenue I

139 ft · 11 sec · Avenue I
3

Turn left onto US 61 Business

1.0 mi · 1 min · Avenue H
4

Turn left onto US 61 Business

0.2 mi · 21 sec · 20th Street
5

At end of road, turn right onto US 61 Business

1.3 mi · 2 min · Avenue L
6

Continue on US 61 Business

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Old Highway 61
7

Continue on US 61 Business

2.1 mi · 3 min · Avenue O
8

Turn straight onto IA 2

8.3 mi · 11 min · IA 2
9

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 53 sec
10

Merge onto US 218; IA 27

25 mi · 28 min · Avenue of the Saints
11

Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163

61 mi · 1 hr 10 min · US 34; IA 163
Exit 45
12

Continue on US 63; IA 163

75 mi · 1 hr 32 min · US 63; IA 163
13

Arrive at destination

East University Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 3 hour and 31 minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, offering plenty of flexibility for departure time. Plan for one stop to break up the 174.6 miles, perhaps around the halfway point or at a designated rest area along US 63. The estimated fuel cost of $27 is a good baseline, but always check current prices before you leave. Since a large portion of the drive is on US 63, ensure you're comfortable with that stretch before setting out.

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 87.3 miles from Fort Madison, IA, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.3 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 48m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 87.3 miles or 1h 45m 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 53m

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 Fort Madison, 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 Fort Madison, IA

This is one driving day of about 174.6 miles and 3h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Fort Madison, 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 63 for about 75.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Ottumwa, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ottumwa, IA

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

Mount Pleasant, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ottumwa, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 87.3 miles from Fort Madison, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 63 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75.3 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Olympic Flame Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 174.6

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152434361

Visit website

HoQ Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

0.8 mi

Tumea & Sons Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

1.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 174.6

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Olympic Flame Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 174.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152434361

Visit website

HoQ Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $30 to $50 mile 174.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15152441213

Visit website

Tumea & Sons Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 174.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152827976

Visit website

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 174.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152622775

Visit website

Café Madeleine

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $100 or ab mile 174.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+15158150924

Visit website

Green Gourmet Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 62.4

Fairfield, Iowa

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+16414722277

Allora Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 174.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–1:30 pm

+15152747787

Visit website

Pad Thai Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37.4

Mt Pleasant, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–1:30 pm

+13193858520

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 174.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Smokey Row Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 112.3

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+16416761600

Visit website

The Perk Of Pella

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 137.2

Pella, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+16416288222

Visit website

Iris Coffee Company

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 137.2

Pella, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16413232923

Visit website

The Sanctuary

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 137.2

Pella, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+16416284911

Visit website

Brew Coffee House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 137.2

Pella, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16416210068

Visit website

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 174.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 38.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Avenue I

Turn right onto Avenue I

Navigation decision point

3
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 61 Business / Avenue H

Turn left onto US 61 Business / Avenue H

Navigation decision point

4
1 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 61 Business / 20th Street

Turn left onto US 61 Business / 20th Street

Navigation decision point

4
1.2 mi into trip | ~2m in | US 61 Business / Avenue L

At end of road, turn right onto US 61 Business / Avenue L

Navigation decision point

5
38.2 mi into trip | ~48m in | US 34; IA 163

Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 45

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.30 one way

$54.59 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $29.97 $59.94
premium $4.89 $33.60 $67.20
diesel $5.61 $38.55 $77.10

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: 61.1 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 52.4 0 $18.33 $8.38
Efficient EV 43.7 0 $15.28 $6.98
EV Truck/SUV 69.8 0 $24.44 $11.17

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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Fort Madison, IA

Morning in Fort Madison on Sunday

Local time

9:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Des Moines, IA

Morning in Des Moines on Sunday

Local time

9:21 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

21 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 31m 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 predominantly highway experience on this route, with 83% of the drive utilizing major highways. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 75.3 miles on US 63, offering a consistent pace. The overall profile is highway-focused, meaning you'll spend most of your time on well-maintained roads designed for steady travel. While the route is efficient, it prioritizes directness over varied scenery, providing a predictable driving experience as you move across the Iowa landscape.

83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.3 mi on US 63.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 63 and US 34. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Avenue I.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Fort Madison, IA to Des Moines, IA is easy. At 3h 31m with 83% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Avenue I): Navigation decision point; near the start (US 61 Business / Avenue H): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (US 61 Business / 20th Street): Navigation decision point.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

910 ft 526 ft

Total Climb

573 ft

Total Descent

226 ft

Highest Point

910 ft

~149.7 mi in

Elevation Range

385 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Fort Madison, IA

Full guide →

Fort Madison is a city in Southeast Iowa. It is on the Mississippi River and has a population of about 11,000.

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 31m. Total distance: 174.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (83%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 75.3 miles on US 63. 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Avenue I): Navigation decision point; near the start (US 61 Business / Avenue H): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (US 61 Business / 20th Street): Navigation decision point.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Return Trip

Des Moines, IA to Fort Madison, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

174.8 mi 3h 32m

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