Distance Between Des Moines and Fairfield, Iowa

Distance: ~100 miles (161 km)
Route: IA-34 W (direct) or I-80 W to IA-1 S
Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes (traffic/weather dependent)

By Car (Most Practical)

Train: No passenger rail connection.
Bus: No direct intercity bus. Indirect: Des Moines → Ottumwa (~40 mi from Fairfield) via Burlington Trailways, then taxi/rideshare.
Flight: No airport in Fairfield. Nearest: Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL) in Burlington (~45 mi away) — then ground transport.

Drive or rideshare. The route is straightforward, scenic (rolling hills, farmland), and far more efficient than multi-leg public options.

Home to Maharishi International University, a vibrant arts scene, and the Raj (Maharishi Vedic City) nearby—worth the drive for a day trip.

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