Trip from Rockwell City, 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

2h 17m

Distance

119 mi

191 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min

4 AM

2h 8m ★

6 AM

2h 18m

8 AM

2h 37m

10 AM

2h 25m

12 PM

2h 23m

3 PM

2h 26m

5 PM

2h 36m

8 PM

2h 12m

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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Rockwell City, IA

Kelly

Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 119-mile drive from Rockwell City, IA, to Des Moines, IA, is easily manageable in about 2 hours and 17 minutes, making it a perfect one-day trip. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, with a projected fuel cost of around $19. The route is a practical option for getting from one point in Iowa to another, offering a quick connection between the Midwest regions. With no designated stops in the data, this journey is designed for efficient travel, allowing you to reach your destination without significant detours. Consider this a no-fuss drive for when you need to get on the road and arrive.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

59.5 miles from Rockwell City, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 35	54.5 mi	59m
US 20	54.1 mi	1h 2m
John MacVicar Freeway	4 mi	5m
Ogden Avenue	2.5 mi	3m
1st Street	1.2 mi	2m
Pennsylvania Avenue	0.3 mi	<1m
Main Street	0.2 mi	<1m
4th Street	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 35 — 54.5 mi, about 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on 4th Street

191 ft · 10 sec · 4th Street

Turn right onto Main Street

0.2 mi · 45 sec · Main Street

Turn left onto 1st Street

1.2 mi · 2 min · 1st Street

Continue on N57

2.5 mi · 3 min · Ogden Avenue

Turn right onto US 20

54 mi · 1 hr 2 min · US 20

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min

Toward I 35 South: Des Moines

Merge onto I 35

54 mi · 59 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min

Toward I 235 West: Des Moines

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.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Exit 8B Toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 44 sec

Toward East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue Use the slight right lane.

Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue

Turn left onto East University Avenue

100 ft · 8 sec · East University Avenue

Arrive at destination

East University Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour, 17-minute drive, planning is minimal, giving you flexibility. You can depart Rockwell City at your convenience, as the relatively short distance doesn't necessitate an early start. With 95% of the route on highways like I-35, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 54.5-mile stretch on I-35. While no specific stops are highlighted, plan for a quick break around the halfway point if needed, though the direct nature of the route might make this unnecessary. The estimated fuel cost of $19 is a good budget to keep in mind for this 119-mile trip.

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 59.5 miles from Rockwell City, IA, or about 1h 11m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.5 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 26 miles or 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 59.5 miles or 1h 11m 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 52m

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 Rockwell City, 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 Rockwell City, IA

This is one driving day of about 119 miles and 2h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Rockwell City, IA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on I 35 for about 54.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ames, IA

60 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

Ames, IA to Des Moines, IA

34.3 mi · 42m

Pacing Suggestions

Fort Dodge, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Story City, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 59.5 miles from Rockwell City, 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.

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 119

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152434361

Visit website

HoQ Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

0.8 mi

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Story City, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 76.5

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

2.1 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 119

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 119

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15152441213

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 110.5

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

It's My Jam Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 110.5

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15158955526

Visit website

Tumea & Sons Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 119

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 119

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 119

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+15158150924

Visit website

Allora Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–1:30 pm

+15152747787

Visit website

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 76.5

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

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 119

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 85

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 85

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 85

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 68

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

Bookends Cafe

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 85

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+15152941383

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 42.5

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 42.5

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 85

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 85

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 85

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 85

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 76.5

Story City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 25.5

Fort Dodge, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 85

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 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 118.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Main Street

Turn right onto Main Street

Navigation decision point

58.7 mi into trip | ~1h 10m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

113.1 mi into trip | ~2h 9m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 235 West: Des Moines

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 235 West: Des Moines

118 mi into trip | ~2h 15m 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...

118.3 mi into trip | ~2h 16m 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

$18.60 one way

$37.21 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 42 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$20.43	$40.85
premium	$4.89	$22.90	$45.80
diesel	$5.61	$26.27	$52.55

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 41.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	35.7	$12.49	$5.71
Efficient EV	29.8	$10.41	$4.76
EV Truck/SUV	47.6	$16.66	$7.62

Gas CO2

42 kg

EV CO2

14 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

Rockwell City, IA

Late night in Rockwell City on Sunday

Local time

5:32 AM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Des Moines, IA

Late night in Des Moines on Sunday

Local time

5:32 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

3 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

2h 17m 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 highway-focused experience on this 119-mile journey, with 95% of your travel occurring on major roadways like I-35 and US 20. The most significant uninterrupted stretch will be 54.5 miles on I-35, so be prepared for sustained highway speeds. This route prioritizes getting you from Rockwell City to Des Moines efficiently rather than offering a meandering scenic tour. You'll primarily be in a highway environment, which means consistent road conditions and predictable travel times. The drive is characterized by its directness and reliance on well-maintained interstates.

95% 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: 54.5 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and US 20. 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 Main Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 119 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 (Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 58.7 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 113.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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 2h 17m. Total distance: 119 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 54.5 miles on I 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Des Moines, IA before heading back.

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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Explore more options from Rockwell City, IA or browse trips ending in Des Moines, IA.

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Trip from Rockwell City, IA to Des Moines, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Olympic Flame Restaurant

KaffeGeita

Olympic Flame Restaurant

HoQ Restaurant

Cafe Diem

It's My Jam Cafe

Tumea & Sons Restaurant

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

Café Madeleine

Allora Cafe

KaffeGeita

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Cafe Diem

Vinyl Cafe

Juniper & Olive Co.

Bookends Cafe

Red E Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Blink Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

University Library Cafe

Discover Ames

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Rockwell City, IA

Des Moines, IA

Same local time

3 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 17m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Des Moines, IA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Des Moines, IA

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