Home → Routes → Des Moines to Jefferson City

Des Moines, IA to Jefferson City, MO

State capital to state capital route

5h 14m
Drive Time
288
Miles
$33
Gas Cost
1
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Des Moines Ia to Jefferson City Mo?

The drive from Des Moines Ia to Jefferson City Mo takes approximately 5h 14m, covering 288 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $33 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 7–8+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
4h 27m
🔵 Typical
5h 14m
🔴 Heavy traffic
7h 35m

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

Route Details

Distance288 miles
Drive Time5h 14min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$33
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$48-$83

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.

This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.

Best Time to Drive from Des Moines Ia to Jefferson City Mo

The best time to drive from Des Moines Ia to Jefferson City Mo is early morning (6-8 am). Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have the lightest traffic. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when possible.

🟢 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
5h 14m
~$33 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 5m
~$80–$150 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~35 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
5h 14m
~$33
🚌 Bus
6h 24m
~$23–$52
🚂 Train
5h 14m
~$35–$86

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 Jefferson City, MO?
The drive takes approximately 5 hours and 14 minutes covering 288 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 9 gallons of gas, costing approximately $33 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.

Explore Cities

All routes from Des Moines Ia All routes from Jefferson City Mo