Cedar Rapids to Des Moines: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Cedar Rapids from Des Moines?

The distance from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines is 106.1 miles (170.8 km) as the crow flies. Des Moines is located WSW of Cedar Rapids. By car, the driving distance is approximately 132.7 miles, taking about 2h 40min. A direct flight would take roughly 43min. Both are located in United States.

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. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Cedar Rapids 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.