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Des Moines, IA to Bismarck, ND

State capital to state capital route

11h 56m
Drive Time
657
Miles
$76
Gas Cost
4
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Des Moines Ia to Bismarck Nd?

The drive from Des Moines Ia to Bismarck Nd takes approximately 11h 56m, covering 657 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $76 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 15–16+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
10h 9m
🔵 Typical
11h 56m
🔴 Heavy traffic
17h 18m

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

Route Details

Distance657 miles
Drive Time11h 56min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$76
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$91-$126

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 Des Moines Ia to Bismarck Nd

For a long drive like Des Moines Ia to Bismarck Nd, 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
11h 56m
~$76 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 49m
~$99–$230 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 19m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
11h 56m
~$76
🚌 Bus
14h 36m
~$53–$118
🚂 Train
11h 57m
~$79–$197

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 Des Moines, IA to Bismarck, ND?
The drive takes approximately 11 hours and 56 minutes covering 657 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 21 gallons of gas, costing approximately $76 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.

Driving Tips: Des Moines IA to Bismarck ND

The long road trip from Des Moines IA to Bismarck ND follows the highway for 657 miles, with an estimated travel time of 11h 56m under normal conditions. Fuel costs run approximately $76 at current prices, assuming average fuel efficiency of 30 MPG. Early morning is generally the best window to depart for the smoothest ride.

This is a serious 657-mile road trip that spans multiple states and regions. Plan for at least one overnight stop, pack emergency supplies, and make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready with fresh oil and properly inflated tires.

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