Des Moines to Muscatine: Road Trip Guide & Distance

134 miles 215.7 km · straight line
167.5 miles estimated 269.6 km · driving distance
3h 22min estimated drive time
$16 - $20 estimated fuel cost
~46min flight time
94° E bearing direction

How far is Des Moines from Muscatine?

The distance from Des Moines to Muscatine is 134 miles (215.7 km) as the crow flies. Muscatine is located E of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 167.5 miles, taking about 3h 22min. A direct flight would take roughly 46min. Both are located in United States.

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. 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 Muscatine. 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 Muscatine

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 3h 22min $16 - $20 Flexible stops
Fly ~46min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~4h 2min $13–$25* Budget
Train ~3h 12min $20–$59* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Des Moines & Muscatine

Quick Facts

Des Moines
41.59°N, 93.63°W
America/Chicago
291m elevation
Muscatine
41.42°N, 91.04°W
America/Chicago
177m elevation
Explore more routes from Muscatine

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 45 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 11 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 185.8 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients