Augusta, ME to Des Moines, IA

State capital to state capital route

28h 44m
Drive Time
1581
Miles
$184
Gas Cost
13
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Augusta Me to Des Moines Ia?

The drive from Augusta Me to Des Moines Ia takes approximately 28h 44m, covering 1581 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $184 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 39–40+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
24h 25m
🔵 Typical
28h 44m
🔴 Heavy traffic
41h 40m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1581 miles
Drive Time28h 44min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$184
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$199-$234

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 4 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Augusta Me to Des Moines Ia

For a long drive like Augusta Me to Des Moines Ia, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
28h 44m
~$184 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 40m
~$237–$553 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 10m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
28h 44m
~$184
🚌 Bus
35h 8m
~$126–$285
🚂 Train
28h 45m
~$190–$474

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Augusta, ME to Des Moines, IA?
The drive takes approximately 28 hours and 44 minutes covering 1581 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 52 gallons of gas, costing approximately $184 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.