Des Moines to North Platte: Road Trip Guide & Distance

371.6 miles 598 km · straight line
445.9 miles estimated 717.6 km · driving distance
8h 58min estimated drive time
$43 - $53 estimated fuel cost
~1h 15min flight time
267° W bearing direction

How far is Des Moines from North Platte?

The distance from Des Moines to North Platte is 371.6 miles (598 km) as the crow flies. North Platte is located W of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 445.9 miles, taking about 8h 58min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 15min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and North Platte in Nebraska.

This is a solid day of driving. Be sure to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid driver fatigue, and plan your meals ahead of time. 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 North Platte. 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 North Platte

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 8h 58min $43 - $53 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 15min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~10h 46min $36–$67* Budget
Train ~8h 31min $54–$156* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Des Moines & North Platte

Quick Facts

Des Moines
41.59°N, 93.63°W
America/Chicago
291m elevation
North Platte
41.12°N, 100.77°W
America/Chicago
854m elevation
Explore more routes from North Platte

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 124 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 31 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 67 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients