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Trip from Onawa, 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 2m

Distance

165 mi

265 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 51m ★
6 AM
3h 3m
8 AM
3h 26m
10 AM
3h 11m
12 PM
3h 9m
3 PM
3h 12m
5 PM
3h 25m
8 PM
2h 56m

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 Onawa, IA, IA

Onawa, IA

rachid alioun

Downtown Des Moines, IA, IA

Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 165-mile drive from Onawa, IA, to Des Moines, IA, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 3 hours. It's a perfect candidate for a day trip, with a manageable fuel cost estimated at $26. You'll spend virtually all your time on major interstates, making it a quick and efficient transit through the Midwest. The route is designed for speed and directness, so if you're looking to cover ground between these two Iowa cities without much fuss, this is a solid option. Plan for a single stop to break up the drive if needed.

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

82.5 miles from Onawa, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 94.9 mi 1h 41m
I 29 40.5 mi 43m
I 880 16 mi 17m
John MacVicar Freeway 8.9 mi 11m
Iowa Avenue 1 mi 1m
State Highway 175 1 mi 1m
Pennsylvania Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
East University Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 94.9 mi, about 1h 41m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on 10th Street

29 ft · 8 sec · 10th Street
2

Turn left onto IA 175

1.0 mi · 1 min · Iowa Avenue
3

Continue on IA 175

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Highway 175
4

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec
5

Merge onto I 29

40 mi · 43 min · I 29
6

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 71 Toward I 880 East: Des Moines
7

Continue on I 880

16 mi · 17 min · I 880
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 43 sec
Exit 16A Toward I 80 East: Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 80

95 mi · 1 hr 41 min · I 80
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 235

8.9 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
Exit 123A Toward I 235 East: Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 8B Toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue Use the slight right lane.
12

Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue

0.4 mi · 47 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
13

Turn left onto East University Avenue

100 ft · 8 sec · East University Avenue
14

Arrive at destination

East University Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour duration and 165-mile distance, this trip is well-suited for a single-day excursion. You can depart Onawa at your convenience, perhaps in the morning to arrive in Des Moines with plenty of the day remaining. With 98% of the drive on interstates, fuel and rest stops are readily available. Keep an eye on I-80 for the longest stretch of 94.9 miles, which is a good indicator for when to consider your next break or fuel stop. The estimated fuel cost of $26 makes budgeting straightforward for this efficient drive.

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 82.5 miles from Onawa, IA, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 94.9 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 36 miles or 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 82.5 miles or 1h 31m 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 28m

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 Onawa, 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 Onawa, IA

This is one driving day of about 165 miles and 3h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Onawa, 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 I 80 for about 94.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Avoca, IA

83 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

Blair, NE

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Avoca, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 82.5 miles from Onawa, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 94.9 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 165

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152434361

Visit website

HoQ Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

0.8 mi

Club Car Restaurant & Lounge- Clive

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clive, Iowa

1.5 mi

Olympic Flame Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 165

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 165

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15152441213

Visit website

Club Car Restaurant & Lounge- Clive

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 153.2

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152261729

Visit website

Tumea & Sons Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 165

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152827976

Visit website

Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery - Indian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 153.2

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15153481054

Visit website

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 153.2

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15155133330

Visit website

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 165

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152622775

Visit website

Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $30 to $40 mile 153.2

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152256005

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 141.4

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 70.7

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 70.7

Shelby, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 153.2

Waukee, Iowa

Blink Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 129.6

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 153.2

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 153.2

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 153.2

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

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 0 and 164.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | IA 175 / Iowa Avenue

Turn left onto IA 175 / Iowa Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
42.9 mi into trip | ~47m in

Take the exit toward I 880 East: Des Moines

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 71 Toward I 880 East: Des Moines
8
59.6 mi into trip | ~1h 6m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 80 East: Des Moines

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 16A Toward I 80 East: Des Moines
8
155.2 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in | I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway toward I 235 East: Des Moines

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 123A Toward I 235 East: Des Moines
8
164.2 mi into trip | ~3h in

Take the exit toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue

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 Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylva...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.80 one way

$51.59 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 58 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $28.32 $56.65
premium $4.89 $31.75 $63.51
diesel $5.61 $36.43 $72.86

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 49.5 0 $17.33 $7.92
Efficient EV 41.3 0 $14.44 $6.60
EV Truck/SUV 66 0 $23.10 $10.56

Gas CO2

58 kg

EV CO2

19 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

Onawa, IA

Late night in Onawa on Sunday

Local time

1:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Des Moines, IA

Late night in Des Moines on Sunday

Local time

1:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

50°F

Avoca, IA

83 mi in

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

25 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 2m 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, with 98% of this route utilizing major interstate roads. The character is 'highway-focused,' meaning you'll be on high-speed, multi-lane roads for the vast majority of your trip. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 94.9 miles on I-80, so plan your breaks accordingly. This segment is designed for efficient travel rather than scenic detours, offering a consistent driving pace for most of the 3-hour journey.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 94.9 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 29. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near IA 175 / Iowa Avenue.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 165 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: near the start (IA 175 / Iowa Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 42.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 59.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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 2m. Total distance: 165 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 94.9 miles on I 80. 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: near the start (IA 175 / Iowa Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 42.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 59.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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