Des Moines to Junction City: Road Trip Guide & Distance

244.4 miles 393.4 km · straight line
305.6 miles estimated 491.8 km · driving distance
6h 9min estimated drive time
$29 - $36 estimated fuel cost
~1h 0min flight time
225° SW bearing direction

How far is Des Moines from Junction City?

The distance from Des Moines to Junction City is 244.4 miles (393.4 km) as the crow flies. Junction City is located SW of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 305.6 miles, taking about 6h 9min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 0min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Junction City in Kansas.

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. 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 Junction 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.

How to Get from Des Moines to Junction City

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 6h 9min $29 - $36 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 0min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~7h 23min $24–$46* Budget
Train ~5h 51min $37–$107* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Des Moines & Junction City

Quick Facts

Des Moines
41.59°N, 93.63°W
America/Chicago
291m elevation
Junction City
39.03°N, 96.83°W
America/Chicago
337m elevation
Explore more routes from Junction City

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 81 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 20 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 101.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients