Oklahoma City, OK to Des Moines, IA

How Long Is the Drive from Oklahoma City Ok to Des Moines Ia?

The drive from Oklahoma City Ok to Des Moines Ia takes approximately 11h 8m, covering 613 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $71 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

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

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 Oklahoma City Ok to Des Moines Ia

For a long drive like Oklahoma City Ok 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.

Driving vs Flying

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 14m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

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