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Trip from Remsen, IA to Des Moines, IA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 6m

Distance

207.4 mi

334 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 54m ★
6 AM
4h 7m
8 AM
4h 33m
10 AM
4h 16m
12 PM
4h 13m
3 PM
4h 17m
5 PM
4h 32m
8 PM
3h 59m

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 Remsen, IA, IA

Remsen, IA

cottonbro studio

Downtown Des Moines, IA, IA

Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 207.4-mile drive from Remsen, IA, to Des Moines, IA, will take approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll spend about 49% of your time on highways, navigating a mix of main roads including 220th Street and I-35. With an estimated fuel cost of $32, this journey through the Midwest is quite budget-friendly. The route offers a straightforward drive, perfect for those looking to get from point A to point B efficiently without extensive planning. Consider departing early to maximize your time at your destination.

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

103.7 miles from Remsen, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 8m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
220th Street 93.4 mi 1h 47m
I 35 54.5 mi 59m
Highway 20 19 mi 22m
State Highway 140 15.1 mi 20m
United States Highway 20 8.3 mi 10m
Lee Avenue 5.4 mi 7m
John MacVicar Freeway 4 mi 5m
320th Street 2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: 220th Street — 93.4 mi, about 1h 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on South Washington Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Washington Street
2

At end of road, turn left onto IA 3

0.8 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
3

Turn right onto IA 140

15 mi · 20 min · State Highway 140
Use the right lane.
4

Turn left onto C66

2.0 mi · 2 min · 320th Street
5

Turn right onto Shamrock Avenue

2.0 mi · 2 min · Shamrock Avenue
6

Continue on L21

5.4 mi · 7 min · Lee Avenue
7

Turn left onto US 20

19 mi · 22 min · Highway 20
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on US 20

8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
9

Continue on US 20

93 mi · 1 hr 47 min · 220th Street
10

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
11

Merge onto I 35

54 mi · 59 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward I 235 West: Des Moines
13

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.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 8B Toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village Use the slight right lane.
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue Use the slight right lane.
16

Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
17

Turn left onto East University Avenue

100 ft · 8 sec · East University Avenue
18

Arrive at destination

East University Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour, 6-minute drive, a single day is definitely feasible. Aim to leave Remsen in the morning to avoid heavier traffic and to give yourself ample time upon arrival in Des Moines. With only one recommended stop on a 207.4-mile trip, you have flexibility. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer 93.4-mile stretch on 220th Street, as services might be less frequent there. The estimated fuel cost of $32 means you can easily factor in a gas top-off if needed.

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 103.7 miles from Remsen, IA, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.4 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 46 miles or 1h 1m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 103.7 miles or 2h 8m 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 24m

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 Remsen, 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 Remsen, IA

This is one driving day of about 207.4 miles and 4h 6m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Remsen, 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 220th Street for about 93.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Webster City, IA

104 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.

Popular next leg

Webster City, IA to Des Moines, IA

74.8 mi · 1h 26m

Pacing Suggestions

Cherokee, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jefferson, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 103.7 miles from Remsen, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before 220th Street if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.4 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Olympic Flame Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

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

Olympic Flame Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152434361

Visit website

HoQ Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $30 to $50

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15152441213

Visit website

Tumea & Sons Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152827976

Visit website

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152622775

Visit website

Now Or Later Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152669777

Visit website

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15154505004

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 206.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
1.2 mi into trip | ~3m in | IA 140 / State Highway 140

Turn right onto IA 140 / State Highway 140

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
25.7 mi into trip | ~37m in | US 20 / Highway 20

Turn left onto US 20 / Highway 20

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
147.1 mi into trip | ~2h 59m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
206.4 mi into trip | ~4h 4m 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
206.7 mi into trip | ~4h 5m 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

$32.42 one way

$64.85 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $35.60 $71.20
premium $4.89 $39.91 $79.82
diesel $5.61 $45.79 $91.58

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$32

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 62.2 0 $21.78 $9.96
Efficient EV 51.9 0 $18.15 $8.30
EV Truck/SUV 83 1 $29.04 $13.27

Gas CO2

73 kg

EV CO2

24 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 17, 2026

Origin

Remsen, IA

Late night in Remsen on Tuesday

Local time

3:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Des Moines, IA

Late night in Des Moines on Tuesday

Local time

3:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

80°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

WNW 18 mph 40% chance 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 warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 6m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed drive on this route, with a significant portion featuring local roads before transitioning to highway travel. While 49% of the journey is on highways, you'll encounter stretches like the 93.4-mile segment on 220th Street that offer a more direct, less trafficked experience. This mix means you'll likely experience varied driving conditions, from open country roads to faster interstate speeds. The profile suggests a drive that isn't solely an interstate grind but also not entirely winding backroads.

49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93.4 mi on 220th Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near IA 140 / State Highway 140.

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 207.4 miles you will encounter 12 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 1.2 miles (IA 140 / State Highway 140): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.7 miles (US 20 / Highway 20): Lane positioning matters here; at 147.1 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Des Moines, IA

Full guide →

Founded 1843

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

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 4h 6m. Total distance: 207.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 93.4 miles on 220th Street. 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 1.2 miles (IA 140 / State Highway 140): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.7 miles (US 20 / Highway 20): Lane positioning matters here; at 147.1 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 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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