Trip from Des Moines, IA to Charles City, IA

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

Drive Time

2h 47m

Distance

146.1 mi

235 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min

4 AM

2h 36m ★

6 AM

2h 47m

8 AM

3h 9m

10 AM

2h 55m

12 PM

2h 53m

3 PM

2h 56m

5 PM

3h 8m

8 PM

2h 41m

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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Trip Overview

The drive from Des Moines, IA to Charles City, IA covers 146.1 miles and takes about 2h 47m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 35, US 18, John MacVicar Freeway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 101.7 miles on I 35. At current regular gas prices, budget about $22.84 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

73 miles from Des Moines, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 47m. Total distance: 146.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 2h 47m highway drive covering 146.1 miles, with most of the trip on I 35 and US 18. The longest continuous stretch is about 101.7 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 15 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 101.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and US 18. 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 47m drive. You will face about 11 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.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

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

7

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

Turn uturn onto East University Avenue

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

6

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

1.8 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.

5

108.4 mi into trip | ~1h 59m in

Take the exit toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City

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

Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Cha...

5

142.4 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in | US 218 Business

Take the exit onto US 218 Business toward US 218 Business, CR B35: Charles City

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

Toward US 218 Business, CR B35: Charles City

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 35	101.7 mi	1h 49m
US 18	32.9 mi	38m
John MacVicar Freeway	4.8 mi	5m
Gilbert Street	2.5 mi	4m
East University Avenue	0.6 mi	1m
East 14th Street	0.4 mi	<1m
185th Street	0.3 mi	<1m
US 218 Business	0.3 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 35 — 101.7 mi, about 1h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on East University Avenue

481 ft · 39 sec · East University Avenue

2

Turn uturn onto East University Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · East University Avenue

3

Turn right onto US 69

0.4 mi · 57 sec · East 14th Street

4

Take the ramp

0.8 mi · 1 min

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

5

Merge onto I 235

4.8 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

6

Continue on I 35

102 mi · 1 hr 49 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

7

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min

Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City

8

Merge onto US 18; IA 27

33 mi · 38 min · US 18; IA 27

9

Take the exit onto US 218 Business

0.3 mi · 42 sec · US 218 Business

Toward US 218 Business, CR B35: Charles City

10

Turn left onto US 218 Business

0.3 mi · 24 sec · 185th Street

11

Turn straight onto US 218 Business

2.5 mi · 4 min · Gilbert Street

12

Turn left onto Main Street

0.2 mi · 38 sec · Main Street

13

Turn right onto Clark Street

0.2 mi · 33 sec · Clark Street

14

Turn left onto US 18

0.1 mi · 24 sec · Brantingham Street

15

Arrive at destination

US 18

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 73 miles from Des Moines, IA, or about 1h 21m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.7 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 73 miles or 1h 21m 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 13m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Charles City, 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 146.1 miles and 2h 47m.

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 101.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 73 mi from Des Moines, IA · 1h 21m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oakland, IA

73 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 73 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 101.7 miles.

Arriving in Charles City, IA

The final approach into Charles City, 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 Charles City, IA.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

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

Now Or Later Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152669777

Visit website

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15154505004

Visit website

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 31.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 31.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 31.3

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 31.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

Center Grove Orchard

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 20.9

Cambridge, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+15153834354

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.84 one way

$45.68 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$25.08	$50.16
premium	$4.89	$28.12	$56.23
diesel	$5.61	$32.26	$64.51

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 51.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	43.8	$15.34	$7.01
Efficient EV	36.5	$12.78	$5.84
EV Truck/SUV	58.4	$20.45	$9.35

Gas CO2

51 kg

EV CO2

17 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 15, 2026

Origin

Des Moines, IA

Morning in Des Moines on Saturday

Local time

6:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Charles City, IA

Morning in Charles City on Saturday

Local time

6:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

49°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

3 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

2h 47m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Des Moines, IA to Charles City, IA covers 146.1 miles and takes about 2h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 35, US 18, John MacVicar Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 73 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 $22.84 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 47m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

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.

The route from Des Moines, IA to Charles City, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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 Charles City, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Charles City, IA

Nearby Places

Olympic Flame Restaurant

Olympic Flame Restaurant

HoQ Restaurant

Tumea & Sons Restaurant

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

Now Or Later Restaurant

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

Tesla Supercharger

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Discover Ames

Center Grove Orchard

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Des Moines, IA

Charles City, IA

Same local time

3 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 47m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Where does this route get tricky?

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

How this page is built

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