Des Moines to Eau Claire: Road Trip Guide & Distance

247.2 miles 397.8 km · straight line
309 miles estimated 497.3 km · driving distance
6h 13min estimated drive time
$30 - $37 estimated fuel cost
~1h 0min flight time
25° NNE bearing direction

How far is Des Moines from Eau Claire?

The distance from Des Moines to Eau Claire is 247.2 miles (397.8 km) as the crow flies. Eau Claire is located NNE of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 309 miles, taking about 6h 13min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 0min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Eau Claire in Wisconsin.

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 Des Moines and Eau Claire. 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.

How to Get from Des Moines to Eau Claire

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 6h 13min $30 - $37 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 0min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~7h 28min $25–$46* Budget
Train ~5h 54min $37–$108* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Des Moines & Eau Claire

Quick Facts

Des Moines
41.59°N, 93.63°W
America/Chicago
291m elevation
Eau Claire
44.81°N, 91.50°W
America/Chicago
240m elevation
Explore more routes from Eau Claire

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 82 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 21 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 100.7 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients