Des Moines to Dubuque: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Des Moines from Dubuque?

The distance from Des Moines to Dubuque is 164.5 miles (264.7 km) as the crow flies. Dubuque is located ENE of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 205.6 miles, taking about 4h 8min. A direct flight would take roughly 50min. 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. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility. 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 Des Moines and Dubuque. 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.