Brookings to Des Moines: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Brookings from Des Moines?

The distance from Brookings to Des Moines is 247.3 miles (398 km) as the crow flies. Des Moines is located SE of Brookings. By car, the driving distance is approximately 309.1 miles, taking about 6h 13min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 0min. Both are located in United States — Brookings in South Dakota 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. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Brookings 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.