Cheyenne, WY to Des Moines, IA

State capital to state capital route

13h 43m
Drive Time
755
Miles
$88
Gas Cost
5
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Cheyenne Wy to Des Moines Ia?

The drive from Cheyenne Wy to Des Moines Ia takes approximately 13h 43m, covering 755 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $88 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 18–19+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
11h 40m
🔵 Typical
13h 43m
🔴 Heavy traffic
19h 53m

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

Route Details

Distance755 miles
Drive Time13h 43min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$88
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$103-$138

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 1 fuel stop along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Cheyenne Wy to Des Moines Ia

For a long drive like Cheyenne Wy 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
13h 43m
~$88 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 1m
~$113–$264 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 31m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
13h 43m
~$88
🚌 Bus
16h 47m
~$60–$136
🚂 Train
13h 44m
~$91–$226

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 Cheyenne, WY to Des Moines, IA?
The drive takes approximately 13 hours and 43 minutes covering 755 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 25 gallons of gas, costing approximately $88 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.