Des Moines to Salina: Road Trip Guide & Distance

283.2 miles 455.8 km · straight line
354.1 miles estimated 569.8 km · driving distance
7h 7min estimated drive time
$34 - $42 estimated fuel cost
~1h 4min flight time
229° SW bearing direction

How far is Des Moines from Salina?

The distance from Des Moines to Salina is 283.2 miles (455.8 km) as the crow flies. Salina is located SW of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 354.1 miles, taking about 7h 7min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 4min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Salina in Kansas.

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.

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

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 7h 7min $34 - $42 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 4min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~8h 32min $28–$53* Budget
Train ~6h 46min $42–$124* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Des Moines & Salina

Quick Facts

Des Moines
41.59°N, 93.63°W
America/Chicago
291m elevation
Salina
38.84°N, 97.61°W
America/Chicago
373m elevation
Explore more routes from Salina

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 94 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 24 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 87.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients