Des Moines to Lexington, Kentucky: Road Trip Guide & Distance

542.1 miles 872.5 km · straight line
650.6 miles estimated 1047 km · driving distance
13h 5min estimated drive time
$63 - $77 estimated fuel cost
~1h 35min flight time
114° ESE bearing direction

How far is Des Moines from Lexington, Kentucky?

The distance from Des Moines to Lexington, Kentucky is 542.1 miles (872.5 km) as the crow flies. Lexington, Kentucky is located ESE of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 650.6 miles, taking about 13h 5min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 35min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Lexington, Kentucky in Kentucky.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. 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 Lexington, Kentucky. 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 Lexington, Kentucky

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 13h 5min $63 - $77 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 35min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~15h 42min $52–$98* Budget
Train ~17h 1min $78–$228* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Des Moines & Lexington, Kentucky

Quick Facts

Des Moines
41.59°N, 93.63°W
America/Chicago
291m elevation
Lexington, Kentucky
38.04°N, 84.50°W
America/New_York
298m elevation
Explore more routes from Lexington, Kentucky

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 181 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 45 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 45.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients