Trip from Des Moines, IA to Nashua, IA

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

Drive Time

2h 59m

Distance

143.8 mi

231 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min

4 AM

2h 48m ★

6 AM

2h 59m

8 AM

3h 22m

10 AM

3h 7m

12 PM

3h 5m

3 PM

3h 8m

5 PM

3h 21m

8 PM

2h 52m

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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Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Nashua, IA

Andhika Indra Pratama

Trip Overview

The drive from Des Moines, IA to Nashua, IA covers 143.8 miles and takes about 2h 59m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 35, State Highway 3, 210th Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 77.1 miles on I 35. At current regular gas prices, budget about $22.48 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

71.9 miles from Des Moines, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 35	77.1 mi	1h 23m
State Highway 3	18.1 mi	24m
210th Street	15.7 mi	21m
140th Street	6.6 mi	9m
Avenue of the Saints	6.6 mi	7m
John MacVicar Freeway	4.8 mi	5m
Spring Avenue	4 mi	5m
Central Avenue West	2.1 mi	4m

Longest stretch: I 35 — 77.1 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

4.8 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

77 mi · 1 hr 23 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward IA 3: Hampton, Clarion

Turn right onto IA 3

8.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3

Continue on IA 3

2.1 mi · 4 min · Central Avenue West

Continue on IA 3

8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 3

Continue on IA 3

1.8 mi · 2 min · 210th Street

Continue on IA 3

1.7 mi · 2 min · South Street

Continue on IA 3

7.4 mi · 10 min · 210th Street

Continue on IA 3; IA 14

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3

Continue on IA 3

6.5 mi · 8 min · 210th Street

Turn left onto IA 188

1.8 mi · 2 min · State Highway 188

Continue on IA 188

1.5 mi · 2 min · South Main Street

Continue on IA 188

4.0 mi · 5 min · Spring Avenue

Turn right onto IA 188

6.6 mi · 9 min · 140th Street

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 57 sec

Merge onto US 218; IA 27

6.6 mi · 7 min · Avenue of the Saints

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 57 sec

Turn right onto IA 346

0.7 mi · 1 min · Sample Street

Turn right onto Main Street

0.1 mi · 27 sec · Main Street

Arrive at destination

Main Street

Trip Plan

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 71.9 miles from Des Moines, IA, or about 1h 20m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.1 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 32 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 71.9 miles or 1h 20m 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 22m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nashua, 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 143.8 miles and 2h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 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 I 35 for about 77.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oakland, IA

72 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

Ames, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oakland, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.9 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 I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.1 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

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Story City, Iowa

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.1

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

2.1 mi

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, 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

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 10.3

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 10.3

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

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

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 30.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15152339004

Visit website

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.1

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

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

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.8

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 51.4

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

Labyrinth Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Bookends Cafe

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+15152941383

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 30.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 30.8

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 92.5

Hampton, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 61.6

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15155160821

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 30.8

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 20.5

Cambridge, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+15153834354

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 129 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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...

1.8 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway

Merge onto I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

83.7 mi into trip | ~1h 33m in

Take the exit toward IA 3: Hampton, Clarion

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

Toward IA 3: Hampton, Clarion

129 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in | IA 188 / 140th Street

Turn right onto IA 188 / 140th Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.48 one way

$44.96 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$24.68	$49.37
premium	$4.89	$27.67	$55.35
diesel	$5.61	$31.75	$63.50

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	43.1	$15.10	$6.90
Efficient EV	36	$12.58	$5.75
EV Truck/SUV	57.5	$20.13	$9.20

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% 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

Des Moines, IA

Afternoon in Des Moines on Saturday

Local time

2:28 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Nashua, IA

Afternoon in Nashua on Saturday

Local time

2:28 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°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

18 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 59m 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?

This is a 2h 59m highway drive covering 143.8 miles, with most of the trip on I 35 and State Highway 3. The longest continuous stretch is about 77.1 miles on I 35.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 35 is the longest continuous segment at about 77.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and State Highway 3. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near East University Avenue.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 59m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow 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 1.8 miles (I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.

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

Clarion

83.7 mi in | ~1h 33m

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 2h 59m. Total distance: 143.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (71%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Des Moines, IA to Nashua, IA covers 143.8 miles and takes about 2h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 35, State Highway 3, 210th Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 71.9 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 $22.48 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This is a straightforward 2h 59m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

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

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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Trip from Des Moines, IA to Nashua, 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

Ankeny Cafe

Tumea & Sons Restaurant

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

Café Madeleine

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

KaffeGeita

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Cafe Diem

Vinyl Cafe

Juniper & Olive Co.

Labyrinth Coffee

Bookends Cafe

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

University Library Cafe

Discover Ames

Center Grove Orchard

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Des Moines, IA

Nashua, IA

Same local time

18 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 59m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Des Moines, IA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip from Des Moines, IA to Nashua, IA?

What are the main roads on this route?

Is this a good same-day trip?

Where should I stop halfway?

How much does gas cost for this trip?

What is the best time to leave?

How many breaks should I plan?

How hard is the drive from Des Moines, IA to Nashua, IA?

Where does this route get tricky?

What towns show up on signs driving from Des Moines, IA to Nashua, IA?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Nashua, IA

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