Des Moines to Onalaska: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Des Moines from Onalaska?

The distance from Des Moines to Onalaska is 199.8 miles (321.5 km) as the crow flies. Onalaska is located NE of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 249.7 miles, taking about 5h 1min. A direct flight would take roughly 54min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Onalaska in Wisconsin.

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 Onalaska. 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.