Des Moines to Mankato: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Des Moines from Mankato?

The distance from Des Moines to Mankato is 178.8 miles (287.7 km) as the crow flies. Mankato is located N of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 223.4 miles, taking about 4h 30min. A direct flight would take roughly 52min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Mankato in Minnesota.

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. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

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