This 117.1-mile drive from Palo to Des Moines, Iowa, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes. The route primarily utilizes local roads like Lincoln Highway and Marshalltown Boulevard, with only a small 10% share of highway driving, suggesting a more scenic and potentially slower pace. With an estimated fuel cost of $18, this trip is quite budget-friendly. The overall feel is a turn-heavy local exploration across the Midwest, perfect for those who prefer a less direct, more engaging journey. Given its manageable distance and duration, it's an ideal day trip with no need for an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
58.6 miles from Palo, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 12m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 23m. Total distance: 117.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, as indicated by its profile. You'll be navigating roads like Lincoln Highway, Marshalltown Boulevard, and 73rd Street, with highway driving making up only 10% of the total mileage. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 37.3 miles on Lincoln Highway, offering a good period to settle in before more frequent turns. This isn't a high-speed interstate journey; rather, it's a more intimate experience with the Iowa landscape, characterized by frequent changes in direction and a closer connection to local roads.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 20 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 37.3 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 7.6 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 117.1 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 7.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.1 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
7.6 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshall...
7
107.1 mi into trip|~2h 9m 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
7
111.5 mi into trip|~2h 15m 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
8
116.2 mi into trip|~2h 21m 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...
8
116.5 mi into trip|~2h 22m 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 Palo, IA to Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Marshalltown along the way.
Marshalltown
7.6 mi in|~12m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Lincoln Highway
37.3 mi
43m
Marshalltown Boulevard
33.7 mi
39m
73rd Street
24.4 mi
28m
US 65
4.5 mi
5m
John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi
5m
Covington Road
3.8 mi
6m
IA 100
2.9 mi
3m
16th Avenue Southwest
2.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Lincoln Highway
— 37.3 mi, about 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palo, IA and Des Moines, IA.
1
Start on Vinton Street
85 ft·9 sec·Vinton Street
2
Turn left onto 1st Street
0.5 mi·2 min·1st Street
3
Turn left onto CR W36
3.8 mi·6 min·Covington Road
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward IA 100 west: To US 30
5
Merge onto IA 100
2.9 mi·3 min·IA 100
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown
7
Merge onto US 30; US 218
2.4 mi·2 min·16th Avenue Southwest
8
Continue on US 30; US 218
24 mi·28 min·73rd Street
9
Continue on US 30
37 mi·43 min·Lincoln Highway
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
11
Turn left onto IA 330
34 mi·39 min·Marshalltown Boulevard
12
Continue on US 65; IA 330
0.7 mi·58 sec·Northeast Hubbell Avenue
13
Take the exit onto US 65
4.5 mi·5 min·US 65
Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des MoinesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 137AToward I 235 West: Des MoinesUse the slight left lane.
15
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4.0 mi·5 min·John MacVicar Freeway
Toward I 235 West: Des MoinesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 8BToward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East VillageUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward East Village, East 6th Street, Penn AvenueUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
0.3 mi·34 sec·Pennsylvania Avenue
19
Turn left onto East University Avenue
100 ft·8 sec·East University Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
East University Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour and 23-minute drive, starting early can give you ample time to enjoy the local roads without feeling rushed. With 117.1 miles to cover and a fuel cost estimated at $18, this trip is economical and flexible. Since it's a turn-heavy route, pay close attention to your navigation, especially on Lincoln Highway where you’ll have your longest stretch of 37.3 miles. While there are no designated stops mentioned, consider pulling over if you see a point of interest that catches your eye, as the local road nature of this journey invites spontaneous exploration.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 58.6 miles from Palo, IA, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.3 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 26 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 58.6 miles or 1h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 56m
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 Palo, 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 Palo, IA
This is one driving day of about 117.1 miles and 2h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Palo, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Lincoln Highway for about 37.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 58.6 mi from Palo, IA
· 1h 12m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.31 one way
$36.61 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg41 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$20.10
$40.20
premium
$4.89
$22.53
$45.07
diesel
$5.61
$25.85
$51.71
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
35.1
0
$12.30
$5.62
Efficient EV
29.3
0
$10.25
$4.68
EV Truck/SUV
46.8
0
$16.39
$7.49
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 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 16, 2026
Origin
Palo, IA
Night
in Palo on Friday
Local time
10:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Des Moines, IA
Night
in Des Moines on Friday
Local time
10:53 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
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
2h 23m 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 Palo, IA to Des Moines, IA covers 117.1 miles and takes about 2h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Lincoln Highway, Marshalltown Boulevard, 73rd Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 58.6 miles from Palo, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.31 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 117.1 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.1 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Palo, IA to Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Marshalltown along the way.
