Des Moines, IOWA → Louisville, KY
476 mi · 9h 30m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Des Moines
34°
Lee County
44°
Sangamon County
46°
39.1°
48°
Louisville
44°
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 476 mi · 9h 31m
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
44°F, wind 3 mph
Rest Stops
19
Restrooms, water, Truck svc
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● QuikTrip
- ● Casey's Truck Stop 🚻
- ● Flying J Travel Center
Hazards Ahead
5 road closures may affect your route · 42 construction zones on route
42 Construction Zones on Route
local road: Road work until Nov 25
I-80: Road work until Nov 29
I-80: Road work until Nov 30
local road: Road work until Nov 30
local road: Road work until Nov 25
I-74: Road work until Dec 1
+ 36 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Selected Route
Via I-235 East → I-80 → ... → I-65 South → I-64 West
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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I-74: I-74 at IL 97/US 150 (Exit 54) (looking east)
IL · EB
I-74: I-74 at IL 97/US 150 (Exit 54) (looking south)
IL · SB
I-74: I-74 at Kickapoo/Edwards Rd. (Exit 82) (looking east)
IL · EB
I-74: I-74 at Kickapoo/Edwards Rd. (Exit 82) (looking south)
IL · SB
I-74: I-74 at Heinz Lane (looking east)
IL · EB
I-74 EB: I-74 at I-474/IL 6 (looking south)
IL · EB
I-74 EB: I-74 at Rivian Motorway
IL · EB
I-74: I-74 at IL 47
IL · EB
I-74 MP 5.2 COVINGTON
IN ·
I-74 MP 52.0 IN I-74/52.0
IN ·
I-65 MP 108.4 S OF SOUTHERN AVE
Indianapolis, IN ·
I-65 MP 52.4 N OF US 50 (view 1)
IN ·
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
72 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 72
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 13: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 11: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 8: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Des Moines, IOWA to Louisville, KY covers 476 miles in roughly 9h 30m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 72 rest areas and 5 reported incidents along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 15
48° / 34°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 16
53° / 32°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
56° / 38°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
55° / 45°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
56° / 53°
No precip
Fri
Nov 20
55° / 40°
No precip
Sat
Nov 21
60° / 54°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌦️ Moderate rain showers at origin, ☀️ Clear sky at destination
Sunday
Good to Go🌤️ Mainly clear at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Des Moines, IOWA
34°F
Wind: 2 mph
Louisville, KY
44°F
Wind: 5 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Des Moines, IOWA to Louisville, KY
The 476-mile drive from Des Moines, IOWA to Louisville, Kentucky takes approximately 9h 30m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across varying terrain where weather conditions can change rapidly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from IOWA into Kentucky, connecting Des Moines and Louisville. Covering 476 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Sudden rain showers reducing visibility
- High winds affecting vehicle stability
- Seasonal weather changes impacting road conditions
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Weather along this route varies by season. Winter months can bring snow, ice, and reduced visibility, while summer may see thunderstorms, heat-related road issues, or construction zones. Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable driving conditions but can still surprise with sudden weather changes. Regardless of season, checking real-time conditions along your entire route before departing can help you avoid the worst of it.
Best Time to Drive Des Moines to Louisville
For medium-distance drives like this 476-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 476-mile drive from Des Moines to Louisville takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Des Moines to Louisville?
The drive is approximately 476 miles and takes about 9h 30m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Today (Nov 15) looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Des Moines to Louisville today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Des Moines to Louisville route?
Yes, there are 72 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-74 East, I-65 South. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There are currently 5 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
Finding the Safest Time to Drive: A Data-Driven Approach
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🛣️How to Check Road Conditions Before a Trip: All Your Options
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🧠Route Intelligence: The Smarter Way to Plan Road Trips
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