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Trip from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 20m

Distance

166.6 mi

268 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 8m ★
6 AM
3h 20m
8 AM
3h 44m
10 AM
3h 29m
12 PM
3h 26m
3 PM
3h 30m
5 PM
3h 43m
8 PM
3h 13m

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 Des Moines, IA, IA

Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States

Burlington, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, IA covers 166.6 miles and takes about 3h 20m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on East University Avenue, US 34, Avenue of the Saints for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly surface roads. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 134.6 miles on East University Avenue. At current regular gas prices, budget about $26.05 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

83.3 miles from Des Moines, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 42m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
East University Avenue 134.6 mi 2h 41m
US 34 27 mi 32m
Avenue of the Saints 2.3 mi 2m
Northeast University Avenue 1.8 mi 2m
North Central Avenue 0.5 mi 1m
South Central Avenue — —

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: East University Avenue — 134.6 mi, about 2h 41m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on East University Avenue

481 ft · 39 sec · East University Avenue
2

Turn uturn onto East University Avenue

9.1 mi · 16 min · East University Avenue
3

Continue on IA 163

1.8 mi · 2 min · Northeast University Avenue
4

Continue on IA 163

125 mi · 2 hr 24 min · East University Avenue
5

Merge onto US 34; US 218; IA 27; IA 163

2.3 mi · 2 min · Avenue of the Saints
6

Take the exit onto US 34; IA 163

0.3 mi · 32 sec · US 34; IA 163
Exit 42 Toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
7

Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163

27 mi · 31 min · US 34; IA 163
Exit 42 Toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 262B Toward Central Ave
9

Turn right onto North Central Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Central Avenue
10

Arrive at destination

South Central Avenue

Trip Plan

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 83.3 miles from Des Moines, IA, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 134.6 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 37 miles or 48m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 83.3 miles or 1h 42m 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 43m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Burlington, 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 166.6 miles and 3h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 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 East University Avenue for about 134.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Ottumwa, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ottumwa, IA

83 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

Monroe, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ottumwa, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 83.3 miles from Des Moines, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before East University Avenue if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 134.6 miles.

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 start, right off the route

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

Top Coffee Stop

Smokey Row Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59.5

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+16416761600

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

2.1 mi

Olympic Flame Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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 start, right off the route

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 start, short detour

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 start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152622775

Visit website

Café Madeleine

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $100 or ab

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+15158150924

Visit website

The Homestyle Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59.5

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Hours: 5 am–1:30 pm

+16416735306

Visit website

Spirit Cafe - Special needs work program

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 59.5

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+16416769528

Visit website

Allora Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–1:30 pm

+15152747787

Visit website

Smokey Row Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59.5

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+16416761600

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Iris Coffee Company

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 47.6

Pella, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16413232923

Visit website

The Sanctuary

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 47.6

Pella, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+16416284911

Visit website

Brew Coffee House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 47.6

Pella, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16416210068

Visit website

The Perk Of Pella

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 47.6

Pella, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+16416288222

Visit website

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 6

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 165.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | East University Avenue

Turn uturn onto East University Avenue

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

3
136.4 mi into trip | ~2h 43m in | US 34; US 218; IA 27; IA 163 / Avenue of the Saints

Merge onto US 34; US 218; IA 27; IA 163 / Avenue of the Saints

Merge point - match speed before joining

6
138.8 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in | US 34; IA 163

Take the exit onto US 34; IA 163 toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington

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

Exit 42 Toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Bu...
7
139 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in | US 34; IA 163

Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163 toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 42 Toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
5
165.8 mi into trip | ~3h 18m in

Take the exit toward Central Ave

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 262B Toward Central Ave

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.05 one way

$52.09 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 58 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $28.60 $57.19
premium $4.89 $32.06 $64.12
diesel $5.61 $36.78 $73.57

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 58.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50 0 $17.49 $8.00
Efficient EV 41.7 0 $14.58 $6.66
EV Truck/SUV 66.6 0 $23.32 $10.66

Gas CO2

58 kg

EV CO2

19 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 18, 2026

Origin

Des Moines, IA

Afternoon in Des Moines on Saturday

Local time

1:47 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Sunny

WNW 10 to 18 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Destination

Burlington, IA

Afternoon in Burlington on Saturday

Local time

1:47 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 20m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

166.6 mi in 3h 20m across surface roads — expect steady turns and local traffic rather than long highway runs.

Only 16% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
10 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 134.6 mi on East University Avenue.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near East University Avenue.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, IA is easy. At 3h 20m with 16% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

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 136.4 miles (US 34; US 218; IA 27; IA 163 / Avenue of the Saints): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 138.8 miles (US 34; IA 163): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Des Moines, IA to Burlington, IA, road signs begin pointing toward 163 East: Mount Pleasant along the way.

163 East: Mount Pleasant

138.8 mi in | ~2h 46m | via US 34; IA 163

About the Cities

Starting 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 3h 20m. Total distance: 166.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (16%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 134.6 miles on East University Avenue. 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.

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.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (East University Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 136.4 miles (US 34; US 218; IA 27; IA 163 / Avenue of the Saints): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 138.8 miles (US 34; IA 163): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Burlington, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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