The Quickest Routes from Ashland, NE to Des Moines, IA

Are you planning a road trip from Ashland, Nebraska to Des Moines, Iowa? The drive can be a fun adventure, with beautiful scenery along the way. To ensure a smooth journey, it's important to consider the time it takes to reach your destination. In this blog post, we'll explore the fastest and slowest routes, providing you with the driving distances and approximate times for each based on traffic patterns.

Route 1: I-80 E and I-235 E (Fastest Route)

If you're looking to reach Des Moines from Ashland quickly, Interstate 80 East and Interstate 235 East is your best bet. Covering a distance of approximately 190 miles, this route takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes in optimal driving conditions. With its smooth roads and minimal turns, you can enjoy a hassle-free drive.

Peak Traffic Time:

During rush hour, which typically occurs from 7:30 am to 9:00 am and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, the journey might take a bit longer due to congested roads. In such instances, buffer an extra 20-30 minutes, and aim for a drive time of around 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Low Traffic Time:

Driving during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening, can significantly reduce your travel time. With lighter traffic, you can cover the distance in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Just make sure to consider factors like limited visibility during nighttime driving.

Route 2: US-6 E (Scenic Route)

If you're up for a leisurely drive and wish to soak in the splendid Midwestern landscapes, taking US-6 East is the perfect option. This route covers a distance of around 204 miles and takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, making it slightly longer than Route 1.

Peak Traffic Time:

During peak traffic hours, particularly around the larger cities along the way, such as Lincoln and Des Moines, it's wise to budget some extra time for potential congestion. When factoring in heavy traffic, you can expect the drive to take around 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Low Traffic Time:

With a more relaxed journey in mind, embark on this route during quieter periods, such as late mornings or early afternoons. Taking advantage of less traffic, you can complete the trip in approximately 3 hours.

Route 3: NE-63 S and NE-2 E (Scenic and Local Route)

For those seeking a more scenic and local experience, NE-63 South and NE-2 East offer an alternate route. Covering a distance of approximately 180 miles, this drive takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it slightly longer than the first route.

Peak Traffic Time:

When navigating through smaller towns along this route, heavy local traffic may cause slight delays, so allocating an extra 30 minutes is advisable. Plan for a travel time of around 4 hours during peak traffic periods.

Low Traffic Time:

Choosing to travel during quieter hours, like late afternoons or early evenings, allows you to experience the charm of rural Nebraska and Iowa without any added delays. You can complete this drive in approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Whether you're seeking a quick and efficient route or prefer a more scenic journey, several options cater to your needs when driving from Ashland, Nebraska to Des Moines, Iowa. By considering peak and low traffic times, you can plan your drive accordingly, allowing for a stress-free and enjoyable road trip. So buckle up, play your favorite tunes, and set off on an unforgettable adventure through the heartland of America!