Columbia, Missouri to Des Moines: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Columbia, Missouri from Des Moines?

The distance from Columbia, Missouri to Des Moines is 194.4 miles (312.8 km) as the crow flies. Des Moines is located NNW of Columbia, Missouri. By car, the driving distance is approximately 243 miles, taking about 4h 53min. A direct flight would take roughly 53min. Both are located in United States — Columbia, Missouri in Missouri 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. 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 Columbia, Missouri 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.