Des Moines to Detroit: Road Trip Guide & Distance

545.6 miles 878.1 km · straight line
599.6 miles actual route 964.9 km · driving distance
11h 5min estimated drive time
$58 - $71 estimated fuel cost
~1h 36min flight time
81° E bearing direction

How far is Des Moines from Detroit?

The distance from Des Moines to Detroit is 545.6 miles (878.1 km) as the crow flies. Detroit is located E of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 599.6 miles, taking about 11h 5min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 36min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Detroit in Michigan.

This is a solid day of driving. Be sure to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid driver fatigue, and plan your meals ahead of time. 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 Des Moines and Detroit. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Des Moines to Detroit

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 11h 5min $58 - $71 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 36min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~13h 18min $48–$90* Budget
Train ~14h 25min $72–$210* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Des Moines & Detroit

Quick Facts

Des Moines
41.59°N, 93.63°W
America/Chicago
291m elevation
Detroit
42.33°N, 83.05°W
America/Detroit
183m elevation
Explore more routes from Detroit

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 182 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 45 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 45.6 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM