Juneau, AK to Des Moines, IA

State capital to state capital route

49h 41m
Drive Time
2733
Miles
$318
Gas Cost
23
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Juneau Ak to Des Moines Ia?

The drive from Juneau Ak to Des Moines Ia takes approximately 49h 41m, covering 2733 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $318 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 69–70+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
42h 14m
🔵 Typical
49h 41m
🔴 Heavy traffic
72h 2m

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

Route Details

Distance2733 miles
Drive Time49h 41min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$318
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$333-$368

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 8 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Juneau Ak to Des Moines Ia

For a long drive like Juneau Ak 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
49h 41m
~$318 gas
✈️ Flying
7h 58m
~$410–$957 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~5h 28m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
49h 41m
~$318
🚌 Bus
60h 44m
~$219–$492
🚂 Train
49h 41m
~$328–$820

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 Juneau, AK to Des Moines, IA?
The drive takes approximately 49 hours and 41 minutes covering 2733 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 91 gallons of gas, costing approximately $318 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.