Des Moines to Fargo: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Des Moines from Fargo?

The distance from Des Moines to Fargo is 397.6 miles (639.9 km) as the crow flies. Fargo is located NNW of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 477.2 miles, taking about 9h 36min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 18min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Fargo in North Dakota.

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. 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.

Coordinates come from public place data for Des Moines and Fargo. 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.