Trip from Des Moines, IA to Bellevue, IA

Drive Time

4h 12m

Distance

206.3 mi

332 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Des Moines, IA

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Bellevue, IA

Kelly

Trip Overview

If you are looking to traverse Iowa from Des Moines to Bellevue, expect a 206.3-mile journey that takes approximately 4 hours and 12 minutes to complete. Given the total duration, this trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion, though it offers enough distance to warrant a relaxed pace. You should budget roughly $31 for fuel to cover the trek across the Midwest. The route relies heavily on local paths like Northeast Hubbell Road and 200th Avenue rather than major interstates, providing a more intimate look at the regional landscape. Because this is a turn-heavy drive, it is best suited for those who prefer navigating local roads over the monotony of high-speed travel.

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

103.2 miles from Des Moines, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 4m into the drive .

Drive Character

Prepare for a drive that prioritizes local navigation over highway cruising, as only 10% of this route consists of traditional highways. You will experience a series of technical, turn-heavy segments that require your full attention behind the wheel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 37-mile run on the Lincoln Highway, providing a brief reprieve from the frequent turns. As you transition between these local arteries and secondary roads, the character of the drive shifts constantly. It is an engaging, hands-on experience that moves away from the typical interstate grind, making the 206.3-mile trip feel like a genuine exploration of the heart of Iowa.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Lincoln Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 37 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near East University Avenue.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 206.3 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 0.1 miles (East University Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | East University Avenue

Turn uturn onto East University Avenue

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STree...

5.1 mi into trip | ~8m in

Take the exit toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport

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. Exit 137A-B Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council B...

5.4 mi into trip | ~8m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 80 East: Davenport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport

9.1 mi into trip | ~13m in | US 65

Take the exit onto US 65 toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant

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 142 Toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Ma...

Towns Along This Route

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

Marion

108.5 mi in | ~2h 10m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Lincoln Highway	37 mi	42m
Northeast Hubbell Road	33.5 mi	39m
200th Avenue	32.4 mi	37m
73rd Street	26.8 mi	30m
Marion Airport Road	24.1 mi	27m
Great River Road	16.7 mi	22m
IA 100	9.4 mi	11m
Collins Road Northeast	5.9 mi	7m

Longest stretch: Lincoln Highway — 37 mi, about 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on East University Avenue

481 ft · 39 sec · East University Avenue

Turn uturn onto East University Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · East University Avenue

Turn right onto US 69

0.4 mi · 57 sec · East 14th Street

Take the ramp

0.8 mi · 1 min

Toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet

Merge onto I 235

3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Exit 137A-B Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 39 sec

Exit 137A Toward I 80 East: Davenport Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 80

3.4 mi · 3 min · I 80

Use the none lane.

Take the exit onto US 65

0.5 mi · 1 min · US 65

Exit 142 Toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant Use the slight right lane.

Turn left onto US 65; IA 330

1.2 mi · 1 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue

Continue on US 65; IA 330

33 mi · 39 min · Northeast Hubbell Road

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Merge onto US 30

37 mi · 42 min · Lincoln Highway

Continue on US 30

27 mi · 30 min · 73rd Street

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min

Toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion

Continue on IA 100

9.4 mi · 11 min · IA 100

Keep slight right at fork onto IA 100

5.9 mi · 7 min · Collins Road Northeast

Turn left onto US 151; IA 13

1.1 mi · 1 min · US 151; IA 13

Turn right onto US 151

24 mi · 27 min · Marion Airport Road

Continue on US 151

32 mi · 37 min · 200th Avenue

Keep slight left at fork onto US 151

3.5 mi · 4 min · US 151

Turn right onto US 52

0.7 mi · 1 min · Bellevue Road

Continue on US 52

9.1 mi · 12 min · Great River Road

Continue on US 52

0.5 mi · 54 sec · Main Street

Continue on US 52

7.6 mi · 10 min · Great River Road

Continue on US 52

2.5 mi · 4 min · North Riverview Street

Arrive at destination

US 52

Trip Plan

Since this is a turn-heavy route, plan to leave early in the morning to navigate the local roads while visibility is at its best. You only need to build in one major stop to comfortably complete the 4-hour and 12-minute drive, allowing you to maintain a steady pace throughout the day. Keep a close eye on your navigation, as the reliance on 200th Avenue and other local roads means you will be making frequent turns rather than staying on a single corridor. Because the drive is relatively short, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule based on traffic or weather conditions. Always double-check your fuel levels before departing, as local routes may have fewer service stations than major interstates.

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 103.2 miles from Des Moines, IA, or about 2h 4m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37 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 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 103.2 miles or 2h 4m 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 23m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bellevue, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, IA

This is one driving day of about 206.3 miles and 4h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Des Moines, 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 Lincoln Highway for about 37 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 103.2 mi from Des Moines, IA · 2h 4m 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

Waterloo, 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 103.2 miles from Des Moines, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Bellevue, IA

The final approach into Bellevue, 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 Bellevue, 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

Des Moines, IA

Afternoon in Des Moines on Sunday

Local time

2:18 PM

CDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bellevue, IA

Afternoon in Bellevue on Sunday

Local time

2:18 PM

CDT

Current temp

48°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 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 12m 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 Des Moines, IA to Bellevue, IA covers 206.3 miles and takes about 4h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Lincoln Highway, Northeast Hubbell Road, 200th Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 103.2 miles from Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, IA to Bellevue, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Marion along the way.

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Return Trip

Bellevue, IA to Des Moines, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

206.3 mi 4h 10m

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Trip from Des Moines, IA to Bellevue, 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 Bellevue, IA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Des Moines, IA

Bellevue, IA

Same local time

4 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 12m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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