Des Moines to Jefferson City: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Des Moines from Jefferson City?

The distance from Des Moines to Jefferson City is 221.6 miles (356.7 km) as the crow flies. Jefferson City is located SSE of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 277.1 miles, taking about 5h 34min. A direct flight would take roughly 57min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City. 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.