Des Moines to Fort Leonard Wood: Road Trip Guide & Distance

279.3 miles 449.5 km · straight line
349.1 miles estimated 561.9 km · driving distance
7h 1min estimated drive time
$34 - $41 estimated fuel cost
~1h 4min flight time
163° SSE bearing direction

How far is Des Moines from Fort Leonard Wood?

The distance from Des Moines to Fort Leonard Wood is 279.3 miles (449.5 km) as the crow flies. Fort Leonard Wood is located SSE of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 349.1 miles, taking about 7h 1min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 4min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

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 Fort Leonard Wood. 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 Fort Leonard Wood

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 7h 1min $34 - $41 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 4min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~8h 25min $28–$52* Budget
Train ~6h 40min $42–$122* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Des Moines & Fort Leonard Wood

Quick Facts

Des Moines
41.59°N, 93.63°W
America/Chicago
291m elevation
Fort Leonard Wood
37.71°N, 92.16°W
America/Chicago
333m elevation
Explore more routes from Fort Leonard Wood

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 93 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 23 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 89.2 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients