Trip from Bellevue, IA to Des Moines, IA

Drive Time

4h 10m

Distance

206.3 mi

332 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Bellevue, IA

Kelly

Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 206.3 miles across the heart of Iowa, this cross-state journey typically takes 4 hours and 10 minutes behind the wheel. Because the duration is manageable, you can easily complete the entire trip in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You will navigate via a combination of US 151, the Lincoln Highway, and Marshalltown Boulevard, making this a practical route for travelers moving between the eastern and central parts of the state. Budgeting approximately $31 for fuel is a safe estimate for the drive. Whether you are heading to Des Moines for business or a weekend getaway, the route offers a straightforward path through the Midwest. It serves as a reliable connection that balances efficiency with the flexibility of a one-day itinerary.

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

103.1 miles from Bellevue, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip features a mixed driving profile, keeping you alert as the road conditions shift throughout the journey. You will spend about 41% of your time on highways, though the character of the road varies as you transition between US 151 and local boulevards. Expect your longest uninterrupted stretch to be a 58.1-mile segment on US 151, which provides a steady rhythm before the route transitions into more varied road types. Because the highway share is relatively low, you should be prepared for frequent adjustments in speed and traffic patterns. It is an engaging drive that avoids the monotony of a purely interstate commute, offering a balanced experience for those who prefer a bit of variety behind the wheel.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

US 151 is the longest continuous segment at about 58.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 96.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 206.3 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 96.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196.2 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 200.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

96.7 mi into trip | ~1h 59m in

Take the exit toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshall...

196.2 mi into trip | ~3h 56m 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 none lane. Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines

200.7 mi into trip | ~4h 1m 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

205.3 mi into trip | ~4h 8m 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...

205.6 mi into trip | ~4h 8m 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...

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Bellevue, IA to Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Marshalltown along the way.

Marshalltown

96.7 mi in | ~1h 59m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 151	58.1 mi	1h 7m
Lincoln Highway	37.3 mi	43m
Marshalltown Boulevard	33.7 mi	39m
73rd Street	24.4 mi	28m
Great River Road	16.7 mi	22m
IA 100	15.2 mi	18m
US 65	4.5 mi	5m
John MacVicar Freeway	4 mi	5m

Longest stretch: US 151 — 58.1 mi, about 1h 7m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on US 52

2.5 mi · 4 min · South Riverview Street

Continue on US 52

7.6 mi · 10 min · Great River Road

Continue on US 52

0.5 mi · 54 sec · Main Street

Continue on US 52

9.1 mi · 12 min · Great River Road

Continue on US 52

0.7 mi · 1 min · Bellevue Road

Turn left onto US 61; US 151; US 52

2.9 mi · 4 min · US 61; US 151; US 52

Take the exit onto US 151

57 mi · 1 hr 6 min · US 151

Turn left onto US 151; IA 13

1.1 mi · 1 min · US 151; IA 13

Turn right onto IA 100

15 mi · 18 min · IA 100

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min

Toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown

Merge onto US 30; US 218

2.4 mi · 2 min · 16th Avenue Southwest

Continue on US 30; US 218

24 mi · 28 min · 73rd Street

Continue on US 30

37 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines

Turn left onto IA 330

34 mi · 39 min · Marshalltown Boulevard

Continue on US 65; IA 330

0.7 mi · 58 sec · Northeast Hubbell Avenue

Take the exit onto US 65

4.5 mi · 5 min · US 65

Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 137A Toward I 235 West: Des Moines Use the slight left lane.

Continue on John MacVicar Freeway

4.0 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway

Toward I 235 West: Des Moines Use the none / 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

To make the most of your 4-hour and 10-minute transit, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the route is efficient, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule, though leaving early helps you avoid potential congestion on the main roads. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge as you navigate the transition between US 151 and the Lincoln Highway to ensure you stay within your $31 budget. With a longest stretch of 58.1 miles, try to time your break right after that segment concludes to maximize your comfort. Taking this approach ensures you arrive in Des Moines feeling energized rather than drained from a long day of driving.

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 103.1 miles from Bellevue, IA, or about 2h 7m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.1 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 80 miles or 1h 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 103.1 miles or 2h 7m 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 Bellevue, 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 Bellevue, IA

This is one driving day of about 206.3 miles and 4h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Bellevue, 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 151 for about 58.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 103.1 mi from Bellevue, IA · 2h 7m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Marion, IA

103 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

Marion, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cedar Rapids, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 103.1 miles from Bellevue, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Des Moines, IA

The final approach into Des Moines, IA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Des Moines, IA.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.33 one way

$62.67 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 72 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$34.54	$69.09
premium	$4.80	$38.95	$77.89
diesel	$5.64	$45.83	$91.67

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	61.9	0	$21.66	$9.90
Efficient EV	51.6	0	$18.05	$8.25
EV Truck/SUV	82.5	1	$28.88	$13.20

Gas CO2

72 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Bellevue, IA

Afternoon in Bellevue on Sunday

Local time

2:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Des Moines, IA

Afternoon in Des Moines on Sunday

Local time

2:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

43°F

Marion, IA

103 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

4 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

4h 10m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Bellevue, IA to Des Moines, IA covers 206.3 miles and takes about 4h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 151, Lincoln Highway, Marshalltown Boulevard. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 103.1 miles from Bellevue, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.33 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

On the drive from Bellevue, IA to Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Marshalltown along the way.

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Return Trip

Des Moines, IA to Bellevue, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

206.3 mi 4h 12m

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Trip from Bellevue, IA to Des Moines, IA

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Des Moines, IA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Bellevue, IA

Des Moines, IA

Same local time

4 degrees cooler at arrival

4h 10m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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