Des Moines to Saint Joseph: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Des Moines from Saint Joseph?

The distance from Des Moines to Saint Joseph is 141 miles (226.9 km) as the crow flies. Saint Joseph is located SSW of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 176.2 miles, taking about 3h 33min. A direct flight would take roughly 47min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Saint Joseph in Missouri.

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. 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. 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 Saint Joseph. 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.