Origin
Waverly, IA
Morning in Waverly on Tuesday
Local time
7:23 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Waverly, IA to Des Moines, IA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 40m
Distance
122 mi
196 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 30m
★
6 AM
2h 41m
8 AM
3h 2m
10 AM
2h 48m
12 PM
2h 46m
3 PM
2h 49m
5 PM
3h 1m
8 PM
2h 34m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Waverly, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Des Moines, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 122-mile drive from Waverly, IA, to Des Moines, IA, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect the journey to take about 2 hours and 40 minutes, with a fuel cost estimated at around $19. The route primarily utilizes IA 330, Sanford Avenue, and Avenue of the Saints, offering a mixed driving experience. Since both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, you'll be navigating familiar heartland landscapes. This trip is ideal for a quick getaway or an efficient commute, with only one recommended stop to break up the drive.
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
61 miles from Waverly, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| IA 330 | 35.9 mi | 42m |
| Sanford Avenue | 15.9 mi | 21m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 12.8 mi | 14m |
| US 20 | 11.3 mi | 13m |
| 240th Street | 6.3 mi | 9m |
| Marsh Avenue | 5.9 mi | 8m |
| University Avenue | 5.4 mi | 7m |
| N Avenue | 4.5 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
IA 330
— 35.9 mi, about 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waverly, IA and Des Moines, IA.
1
Start on IA 3
62 ft
·
9 sec
·
West Bremer Avenue
2
Turn left onto US 218 Business
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
4th Street Southwest
3
Continue on 4th Avenue Southwest
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
4th Avenue Southwest
4
Keep slight left at fork onto US 218 Business
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
US 218 Business
5
Merge onto US 218; IA 27
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 183
Toward University Avenue
7
Keep slight right at fork
333 ft
·
8 sec
8
Turn straight onto University Avenue
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
University Avenue
9
Enter roundabout onto University Avenue
124 ft
·
2 sec
·
University Avenue
10
Continue on University Avenue
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
University Avenue
11
Continue on Grundy Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Grundy Road
12
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Use the right lane.
13
Merge onto US 20
11 mi
·
13 min
·
US 20
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
Toward IA 14: Parkersburg, Grundy Center
15
Turn left onto IA 14
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
N Avenue
16
Turn right onto 210th Street
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
210th Street
17
Turn sharp left onto County Road T37
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road T37
18
Continue on M Avenue
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
M Avenue
19
Turn right onto IA 14; IA 175
6.3 mi
·
9 min
·
240th Street
20
Turn left onto IA 14
16 mi
·
21 min
·
Sanford Avenue
21
Turn right onto IA 330
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
160th Street
22
Keep slight left at fork onto IA 330
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
North Main Street
23
Continue on IA 330
5.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Marsh Avenue
24
Turn right onto IA 330
36 mi
·
42 min
·
IA 330
25
Take the exit onto US 65
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
US 65
Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 137A
Toward I 235 West: Des Moines
Use the slight left lane.
27
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.
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 8B
Toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
Use the slight right lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
30
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
Pennsylvania Avenue
31
Turn left onto East University Avenue
100 ft
·
8 sec
·
East University Avenue
32
Arrive at destination
East University Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes, this route offers significant flexibility. You can depart at your leisure, though an early start will give you ample time to settle into Des Moines. Plan for just one stop to stretch your legs and perhaps grab a snack. Be mindful of the longest stretch of 35.9 miles on IA 330; ensure you have adequate fuel before entering this section. The $19 fuel cost is a helpful budget marker for this efficient 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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 61 miles from Waverly, IA, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.9 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 27 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 61 miles or 1h 23m 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 12m
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 Waverly, 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 Waverly, IA
This is one driving day of about 122 miles and 2h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Waverly, 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 IA 330 for about 35.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
61 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 61 miles from Waverly, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 235 decision points cluster between mile 15.8 and 121.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
15.8 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Take the exit toward University Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 183
Toward University Avenue
7
111.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
|
US 65
Take the exit onto US 65 toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines
7
116.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m in
Take the exit toward I 235 West: Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 137A
Toward I 235 West: Des Moines
8
121 mi into trip
|
~2h 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
121.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 39m 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
$19.07 one way
$38.15 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
43 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $20.94 | $41.88 |
| premium | $4.89 | $23.48 | $46.96 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.94 | $53.87 |
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: 42.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.6 | 0 | $12.81 | $5.86 |
| Efficient EV | 30.5 | 0 | $10.67 | $4.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48.8 | 0 | $17.08 | $7.81 |
Gas CO2
43 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.
Destination
Des Moines, IA
Morning in Des Moines on Tuesday
Local time
7:23 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°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
2 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 40m 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?
The character of this drive is largely defined by its 46% highway share. You'll experience a mix of faster-paced highway driving and more local road conditions. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 35.9 miles on IA 330, providing a good segment of consistent travel. As you progress, the road will transition between these two types, keeping the driving experience varied without being overly demanding. This blend makes for a comfortable journey behind the wheel.
46% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 35.9 mi on IA 330.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 122 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 15.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 111.9 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Waverly, IA to Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Grundy Center along the way.
Grundy Center
33.9 mi in
|
~44m
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 2h 40m. Total distance: 122 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (46%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 35.9 miles on IA 330. 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.
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 15.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 111.9 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
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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