Trip from Manchester, IA to Des Moines, IA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

3h 16m

Distance

156.6 mi

252 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 5m ★

6 AM

3h 17m

8 AM

3h 41m

10 AM

3h 25m

12 PM

3h 23m

3 PM

3h 26m

5 PM

3h 40m

8 PM

3h 10m

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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city in Delaware County, Iowa, United States

Manchester, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Driving from Manchester to Des Moines covers 156.6 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to easily complete the transit without needing an overnight stay. You will navigate via East Main Street, Highway 13, and the Avenue of the Saints to reach the state capital. Budgeting roughly $24 for fuel should keep you covered for the duration of the trip. Since both cities are located within the Midwest, you can expect a familiar regional atmosphere throughout your journey across Iowa.

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

78.3 miles from Manchester, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a mindless interstate cruise. Because the highway share is 0%, you will spend your time navigating local roads and secondary highways that offer a much more hands-on experience behind the wheel. The route lacks long, uninterrupted stretches, meaning you should be prepared for frequent adjustments and transitions between different road types. This is a practical, ground-level way to see the Iowa landscape, offering a driving profile that feels personal and direct.

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

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

US 20 is the longest continuous segment at about 42.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 68.6 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 156.6 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 68.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 146.6 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 20 key points

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

68.6 mi into trip | ~1h 21m in

Take the exit toward IA 14: Parkersburg, Grundy Center

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

Toward IA 14: Parkersburg, Grundy Center

146.6 mi into trip | ~3h 2m 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 straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines

151 mi into trip | ~3h 8m 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

155.7 mi into trip | ~3h 14m 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...

156 mi into trip | ~3h 15m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Manchester, IA to Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Grundy Center along the way.

Grundy Center

68.6 mi in | ~1h 21m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 20	42.3 mi	48m
IA 330	35.9 mi	42m
Avenue of the Saints	23.5 mi	27m
Sanford Avenue	15.9 mi	21m
240th Street	6.3 mi	9m
Marsh Avenue	5.9 mi	8m
N Avenue	4.5 mi	6m
US 65	4.5 mi	5m

Longest stretch: US 20 — 42.3 mi, about 48m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on North Tama Street

58 ft · 4 sec · North Tama Street

Turn right onto CR D22

1.2 mi · 2 min · East Main Street

Turn left onto IA 13

1.2 mi · 1 min · State Highway 13

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Merge onto US 20

42 mi · 48 min · US 20

Keep slight left at fork onto US 20; IA 27

23 mi · 27 min · Avenue of the Saints

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 59 sec

Toward IA 14: Parkersburg, Grundy Center

Turn left onto IA 14

4.5 mi · 6 min · N Avenue

Turn right onto 210th Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · 210th Street

Turn sharp left onto County Road T37

1.0 mi · 1 min · County Road T37

Continue on M Avenue

1.5 mi · 2 min · M Avenue

Turn right onto IA 14; IA 175

6.3 mi · 9 min · 240th Street

Turn left onto IA 14

16 mi · 21 min · Sanford Avenue

Turn right onto IA 330

4.3 mi · 5 min · 160th Street

Keep slight left at fork onto IA 330

1.2 mi · 1 min · North Main Street

Continue on IA 330

5.9 mi · 8 min · Marsh Avenue

Turn right onto IA 330

36 mi · 42 min · IA 330

Take the exit onto US 65

4.5 mi · 5 min · US 65

Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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 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

Given the 2 hour and 38 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time based on your personal schedule. Aim to include at least one stop to break up the drive, as the turn-heavy nature of these local roads can be more tiring than a straight highway shot. Before heading out, double-check your navigation, as the reliance on local roads like Highway 13 and the Avenue of the Saints requires careful attention to signage. Since you are budgeting $24 for gas, consider refueling in Manchester before you leave to avoid any last-minute stress on the road.

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 78.3 miles from Manchester, IA, or about 1h 35m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.3 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 34 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 78.3 miles or 1h 35m 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 41m

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 Manchester, 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 Manchester, IA

This is one driving day of about 156.6 miles and 3h 16m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Manchester, 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 20 for about 42.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 78.3 mi from Manchester, IA · 1h 35m into the drive

city and the county seat of Marshall County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Marshalltown, IA

78 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

Elk Run Heights, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Eldora, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 78.3 miles from Manchester, 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

$24.48 one way

$48.97 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$26.88	$53.76
premium	$4.89	$30.14	$60.27
diesel	$5.61	$34.58	$69.15

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$24

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$49–$74

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 54.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	47	$16.44	$7.52
Efficient EV	39.2	$13.70	$6.26
EV Truck/SUV	62.6	$21.92	$10.02

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

18 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

Manchester, IA

Night in Manchester on Wednesday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Des Moines, IA

Night in Des Moines on Wednesday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°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

17 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

3h 16m 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 Manchester, IA to Des Moines, IA covers 156.6 miles and takes about 3h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 20, IA 330, Avenue of the Saints. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 78.3 miles from Manchester, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.48 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

On the drive from Manchester, IA to Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Grundy Center along the way.

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Trip from Manchester, IA to Des Moines, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Manchester, IA

Des Moines, IA

Same local time

17 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 16m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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