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Trip from Urbana, IA to Des Moines, IA

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

Drive Time

2h 35m

Distance

122.1 mi

196 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 25m ★
6 AM
2h 36m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 43m
12 PM
2h 41m
3 PM
2h 44m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m

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 Urbana, IA, IA

Urbana, IA

Quang Nguyen Vinh

Downtown Des Moines, IA, IA

Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Urbana, IA to Des Moines, IA covers 122.1 miles and takes about 2h 35m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Lincoln Highway, Marshalltown Boulevard, 73rd Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly surface roads. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 37.3 miles on Lincoln Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $19.09 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

61 miles from Urbana, IA

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Lincoln Highway 37.3 mi 43m
Marshalltown Boulevard 33.7 mi 39m
73rd Street 11.4 mi 13m
IA 150 10.2 mi 14m
US 218 9.8 mi 14m
US 65 4.5 mi 5m
John MacVicar Freeway 4 mi 5m
21st Avenue 2.9 mi 5m
Longest stretch: Lincoln Highway — 37.3 mi, about 43m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Wood Street

427 ft · 13 sec · West Wood Street
2

Turn right onto Ash Avenue

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Ash Avenue
3

At end of road, turn left onto 55th Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · 55th Street
4

Enter roundabout onto IA 150

161 ft · 2 sec · IA 150
5

Continue on IA 150

10 mi · 14 min · IA 150
6

Turn right onto IA 150

0.2 mi · 22 sec · West 2nd Street
7

Turn left onto IA 150

1.1 mi · 1 min · C Avenue
8

Continue on IA 150

0.3 mi · 26 sec · State Highway 150
9

Continue on US 218

9.8 mi · 14 min · US 218
10

Turn right onto CR E44

2.5 mi · 4 min · 70th Street
11

Continue on State Highway 199

0.1 mi · 10 sec · State Highway 199
12

Continue on CR E44

0.3 mi · 34 sec · 1st Avenue
13

Turn left onto CR V66

0.1 mi · 15 sec · 1st Street
14

Continue on CR V66

2.9 mi · 5 min · 21st Avenue
15

Turn right onto US 30

11 mi · 13 min · 73rd Street
16

Continue on US 30

37 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
18

Turn left onto IA 330

34 mi · 39 min · Marshalltown Boulevard
19

Continue on US 65; IA 330

0.7 mi · 58 sec · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
20

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.
21

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 137A Toward I 235 West: Des Moines Use the slight left lane.
22

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.
23

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 8B Toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village Use the slight right lane.
24

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue Use the slight right lane.
25

Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
26

Turn left onto East University Avenue

100 ft · 8 sec · East University Avenue
27

Arrive at destination

East University Avenue

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 61 miles from Urbana, IA, or about 1h 21m 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 27 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61 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 7m

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 Urbana, 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 Urbana, IA

This is one driving day of about 122.1 miles and 2h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Urbana, 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 Lincoln Highway for about 37.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Marshalltown, IA

61 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.

Popular next leg

Marshalltown, IA to Des Moines, IA

51.6 mi · 1h 6m

Pacing Suggestions

Vinton, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Tama, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 61 miles from Urbana, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.4

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Olympic Flame Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

0.7 mi

HoQ Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

0.8 mi

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.4

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Olympic Flame Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 122.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152434361

Visit website

HoQ Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $30 to $50 mile 122.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15152441213

Visit website

Tumea & Sons Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 122.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152827976

Visit website

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 122.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152622775

Visit website

Now Or Later Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 122.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15152669777

Visit website

Tremont on Main Restaurants and Inn

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 69.8

Marshalltown, Iowa

+16417521234

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 69.8

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 69.8

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 121.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Ash Avenue

Turn right onto Ash Avenue

Navigation decision point

7
112 mi into trip | ~2h 21m 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
116.5 mi into trip | ~2h 27m 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
121.1 mi into trip | ~2h 33m 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
121.4 mi into trip | ~2h 34m 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...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.09 one way

$38.18 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.96 $41.92
premium $4.89 $23.50 $46.99
diesel $5.61 $26.96 $53.92

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 42.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 36.6 0 $12.82 $5.86
Efficient EV 30.5 0 $10.68 $4.88
EV Truck/SUV 48.8 0 $17.09 $7.81

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

14 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

Urbana, IA

Afternoon in Urbana on Saturday

Local time

12:49 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Des Moines, IA

Afternoon in Des Moines on Saturday

Local time

12:49 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

3 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 35m 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?

122.1 mi in 2h 35m across surface roads — expect steady turns and local traffic rather than long highway runs.

Only 24% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37.3 mi on Lincoln Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Ash Avenue.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 122.1 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Ash Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 112 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving 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 35m. Total distance: 122.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 37.3 miles on Lincoln Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Des Moines, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Ash Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 112 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Des Moines, IA before heading back.

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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