The Ultimate Guide to Driving From Baltimore, Maryland to Des Moines, Iowa

If you're planning to drive from Baltimore, Maryland to Des Moines, Iowa, you're likely wondering how long the journey will take you. Well, it all depends on the route you choose and the traffic along the way. Let's dive into the details.

The Fastest Route

The fastest option for driving from Baltimore to Des Moines is to head west on I-70 and then take I-76 towards Denver. Next, take I-80 through Nebraska all the way to Des Moines. This route covers a distance of 1,005 miles and takes about 15 hours to drive without any stops.

However, be prepared for a more expensive drive as you'll have to pay tolls along parts of the route. Plus, it's possible that you'll hit some congestion on I-76. To avoid this, plan your drive during non-peak hours and consider leaving early or late to avoid the rush.

The Slow and Steady Route

If you're not in a hurry and want to take a more leisurely road trip, we suggest taking US-30 across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, before finally reaching Des Moines. The total distance is around 1,090 miles, which will take approximately 18 hours to cover.

The highlight of this drive is seeing some amazing views of the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains as you cross the Great Lakes states. You also won't have to worry too much about traffic, as US-30 is not as busy as other interstate highways.

The Middle Ground

If you want a compromise between speed and scenery, consider taking I-80 for much of the drive, but detouring onto US-23 and US-218 where it makes sense. This route is around 1,020 miles long and should take about 16 hours to drive.

The benefit of this route is that you'll still be on one of the main highways, but you'll also have some peaceful countryside stretches along the way, making it a good balance of fast and scenic. Plus, you won't have to worry too much about traffic on the highways.

Traffic Considerations

Regardless of which route you choose, traffic can have a big impact on the time it takes to drive from Baltimore, Maryland to Des Moines, Iowa. Rush hour traffic is a common issue, especially in major cities along the way. Leaving early in the morning or late at night can reduce the amount of traffic you encounter.

Overall, while there are many factors that affect how long it will take you to drive from Baltimore to Des Moines, the route you choose will have the biggest impact. Whatever route you choose, be sure to plan ahead, rest often, and enjoy the journey!