Aurora, Illinois to Des Moines: Road Trip Guide & Distance

274 miles 441 km · straight line
342.6 miles estimated 551.3 km · driving distance
6h 53min estimated drive time
$33 - $41 estimated fuel cost
~1h 3min flight time
269° W bearing direction

How far is Aurora, Illinois from Des Moines?

The distance from Aurora, Illinois to Des Moines is 274 miles (441 km) as the crow flies. Des Moines is located W of Aurora, Illinois. By car, the driving distance is approximately 342.6 miles, taking about 6h 53min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 3min. Both are located in United States — Aurora, Illinois in Illinois and Des Moines in Iowa.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Aurora, Illinois and Des Moines. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Aurora, Illinois to Des Moines

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 6h 53min $33 - $41 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 3min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~8h 16min $27–$51* Budget
Train ~6h 32min $41–$120* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Aurora, Illinois & Des Moines

Quick Facts

Aurora, Illinois
41.76°N, 88.32°W
America/Chicago
207m elevation
Des Moines
41.59°N, 93.63°W
America/Chicago
291m elevation
Explore more routes from Des Moines

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 91 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 23 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 90.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients